GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1998 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.8L 🢒 Oil Pan Replacement

Removal Procedure
    • J 28467-360 Universal Support Fixture
    • J 41044 Engine Support Adapters
    • J 28467-90 Engine Support Fixture Adapters

    Object Number: 49837 Size: SH
  1. Install the J 28467-360 and J 41044 to the vehicle.
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Drain the engine oil.
  4. Remove the right side engine mount (2) to cradle bolts (1).

    5. Object Number: 50525 Size: SH
  5. Remove the left side engine mount (2) to cradle bolts (1).

    6. Object Number: 220629 Size: SH
  6. Remove the right and left lower shock bolts.

    7. Object Number: 220630 Size: SH
  7. Remove the intermediate steering shaft bolt from the rack and pinion.
  8. Support the engine cradle with appropriate equipment.

    9. Object Number: 440880 Size: SH
  9. Disconnect the oil level sensor electrical connector (1).

    10. Object Number: 441263 Size: SH

    Notice: Remove the oil level sensor, located in the oil pan, before the oil pan is removed. The sensor may be damaged if the oil pan is removed first.

  10. Remove the oil level sensor from the oil pan.
  11. Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Engine Electrical.

    12. Object Number: 220632 Size: SH
  12. Remove the front crossmember bolts.

    13. Object Number: 441269 Size: SH
  13. Remove the oil pan bolts (1).
  14. Remove the oil pan (2). Lower the rear of the oil pan while rotating it outward.

    15. Object Number: 441265 Size: SH
  15. Remove the oil pan gasket.
  16. Clean the oil pan gasket surfaces.

Installation Procedure
  1. Apply a continuous bead 6.35 mm (0.25 in) thick of RTV sealer GM P/N 12378521 (Canadian P/N 88901148) to the topside of the new gasket. Apply the RTV sealant directly over the gaskets sealing bead.

    2. Object Number: 441265 Size: SH
  2. Install the NEW oil pan gasket onto the engine.
  3. Apply a continuous bead 6.35 mm (0.25 in) thick of RTV sealer GM P/N 12378521 (Canadian P/N 88901148) to the bottom side of the new gasket. Apply the RTV sealant directly over the gaskets sealing bead.

    4. Object Number: 441269 Size: SH
  4. Install the oil pan (2).

    5. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Install the oil pan bolts (1).

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the oil pan bolts to 14 N·m (10 lb ft).


    Object Number: 220632 Size: SH
  6. Install the front crossmember bolts.

    7. Tighten

        • Tighten the upper four crossmember bolts to 125 N·m (92 lb ft).
        • Tighten the lower two crossmember bolts to 145 N·m (107 lb ft).
  7. Install the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Engine Electrical.

    8. Object Number: 441263 Size: SH

    Notice: Install the oil level sensor, located in the oil pan, after the oil pan is installed. The sensor may be damaged if the oil level sensor is installed first.

  8. Install the oil level sensor to the oil pan.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the oil level sensor to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 440880 Size: SH
  9. Connect the oil level sensor electrical connector (1).
  10. Remove the equipment used to support the engine cradle.

    11. Object Number: 220630 Size: SH
  11. Install the intermediate steering shaft from the rack and pinion.

    12. Tighten
    Tighten the intermediate shaft bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).


    Object Number: 220629 Size: SH
  12. Install the right and left lower shock bolts.

    13. Tighten
    Tighten the shock bolts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).


    Object Number: 50525 Size: SH
  13. Install the left side engine mount (2) to cradle bolts (1).

    14. Tighten
    Tighten the left side engine mount to cradle bolts (1) to 58 N·m (43 lb ft).


    Object Number: 49837 Size: SH
  14. Install the right side engine mount (2) to cradle bolts (1).

    15. Tighten
    Tighten the right side engine mount to cradle bolts (1) to 58 N·m (43 lb ft).

  15. Lower the vehicle.
  16. Remove the J 28467-360 and J 41044 from the vehicle.
  17. Change the engine oil and filter. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .