Remove engine to replace oil pan gasket?!

[moab]

Had my 07 4x4 Yukon in the shop today. Has a very minor leak in the oil pan gasket. Guy says you have to remove the engine to change the oil pan gasket?! Is that true? Says it might be $600-$700.

 

[MadDogDelpho]

As a 4x4 the front differential will definitely be in the way, but I think it'd be easier, cheaper, and faster to just drop the differential rather than pull the engine. That sounds pretty suspicious.

 

[moab]

Hes a pretty straight up dude. Not pressuring me. And he charges fairly. Hes gonna see exactly how many hours and give me a quote tonight.

 

[sk1dm4rk]

I did this on my Escalade a couple weeks ago.

Here is the reference I used: http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...07/612809-diy-replace-oil-pan-gasket-6-a.html

I did not remove the front wheels and I broke the plastic wire organizer on the front of the block because I couldn't see where/how it attached. Other than that, it just took a long time doing it by myself.

Hopefully this is accurate on your rig.

Good luck.

 

[moab]

Quote was $700. The engine doesn't have to come out. But the differential does or at least has to be dropped. As it's a 4x4.

Unless someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Which I would love. $700 for a new oil pan gasket is a bit much.

 

[sk1dm4rk]

I could not get the pan out with just dropping the diff (my Esky is AWD). With helping hands, maybe. Doing it myself, I had to completely remove it. I did only have to drop the steering rack, though. Getting it back in was much harder. I had to balance the diff on my chest and then lift it into place with one arm while I started 2 bolts on each axle to hold it in securely.

On a 1-10 scale, I give it:
Doing it by yourself - 8 (but you better be strong)
With help and a good jack to remove and reinstall the diff - 5

Without help, I won't do this again and will gladly pay the $700.

I wish you luck in whatever way you choose to go.

One more point; this is, of course, a perfect opportunity to change the oil pickup tube o-ring. Another reason I wanted to do it myself.

 

[RED TAHOE LS]

I cannot speak for the 4x4 or the AWD, but in the past years Chevrolet in general was a ***** to get the oil pan off. There was a trick years ago that hard knuckle mechanics all learned from experience. Naturally any exhaust/strg linkage as well as motor mounts had to be removed for clearance, but the trick was turning the HARMONIC BALANCER with the timing mark on the bottom(6 o clock) which would turn the crankshaft throws horizontal to help slide the oil pan as necessary. I learned the hard way like the rest.

I in no way mean to say this will work on your model. but $700.00 is a lot of $$$$. JMHO and good luck.
David g.

 

[NGAneer]

This sounds like a royal pain to do yourself but I am broke and I have tools, so I'd go for it. Maybe break the bank and get for a floor jack cradle for the diff would make it easier and that sure ain't $700.

 

[Ciro]

I think I have the same issue, my tahoe started to get wet on the corner above the oil filter, The weird thing is there are no oil leaking to the floor. I have checked the zone placing a cardboard below the tahoe a verified the oil level and looked for oil drops and I found no noticeable leaks or missing oil. It is just getting wet.

How is your truck showing the leak?




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[moab]

I'd say about two drops per night. So it's not bad yet. I just want to get it done sooner than later. I just had the rear main seal replaced. That cost me $500.