If you notice a tell-tale puddle of oil beneath the engine of your Pontiac Grand Prix, it may be a sign that the oil pan gasket is worn out. Replacing the oil pan gasket on newer models is extremely complicated and involves a transmission jack and an engine hoist, but older models are somewhat simpler. Here's how to change the oil pan gasket in a 1988 to 1996 model Pontiac Grand Prix.
Disconnect the negative battery cable. Raise the front end of the Grand Prix with jacks, support it securely on a jack stand and block the rear wheels. Crawl under the vehicle and locate the drain plug on the underside of the oil pan.
Put a bucket under the drain plug. Loosen the drain plug with a socket wrench, then remove it with your fingers it won't fall into the bucket. Allow the oil to drain into the bucket and once it has completely drained, replace the plug.
Detach the starter bracket from the engine block, then remove the starter and flywheel cover. Take off the oil filter, making sure the oil filter gasket comes off at the same time. Remove the bolts holding the oil pan and carefully remove it.
Scrape off the old gasket and discard it. Clean the joining surface completely with solvent and apply a thin bead of gasket sealer on the oil pan-to-block sealing flanges. Put on a new gasket, install the oil pan on the cylinder case and tighten the nuts and bolts.
Rub a thin layer of oil on a new oil filter and install the filter. Tighten it to 13 foot lbs. Install the starter, referring to the manual if necessary. Jack up the vehicle enough to remove the jack stand, then lower the vehicle and remove the jacks.
Fill the crankcase with clean oil. Your Pontiac Grand will Prix require about 4 qt. so check the level with a dipstick to be sure the level is at the fill line.
Pour the old oil into an empty milk jug and take the oil to a garage or a hazardous waste disposal facility.
