can you change the oil pan gasket with the motor in the car any tips how hard is it?

 

place a jack under the front pulley

undo the four bolts on the k member for the motor mounts

lift up the motor slightly

undo the 6 k member bolts and let the k member hang down

undo all the oilpan bolts

take the pan off

good luck

 

i wouldnt lift it from the crankshaft pulley

 

i read somewhere the "proper" procidure needs to be followed when removing/replacing the oilpan. what i read was that there is an alignment tool GM uses to line up the gasket and the pan to the block.. and you need to use anerobic sealer on the corners? im stuck needing to install my oilpan but am unsure if my "alignment" will be off. also is the gasket reusable? new one is ~50$
but I have 2 and they look new.

 

Why wouldnt you just spend the money on a new one & not having that risk of getting it back together and it leaks with a used gasket

 

i can see why you would say that, this is the first of at least 3 swaps I have planned. Sure this may make me sound cheap but rest assured I will spend where it's needed and not waste $ that can be used elsewhere. If a part is reusable why replace it? on the other hand I ask so that seasoned vets can chime in on what can/can't be done. There is a huge amount of experience on here I'm just looking for guidance.

 

I did it without the alignment tool and no leaks what so ever, going on 8 months. If you use the Haynes Book itll tell you the tolerances. I had to install a new pan, cause mine had a crack.

 

I wouldnt either. Lift the motor from the top. Its a general pain in the *** for just a gasket, but its unavoidable.