oil leaks on corvette
By mistyscott
@mistyscott (3)
New Zealand
February 5, 2007 4:05pm CST
Can someone please tell me what is involved in replacing the oil pan gasket on my 96 corvette. Also who is best qualified to do it
2 responses
@Lazaras_Long (35)
• United States
6 Feb 07
My friend has a '95 Corvette and we did some work on the motor soon after he bought it, he was looking to match the ZR1s performance. The bottom end of the LT1 Corvette is fairly straight forward. Not alot has changed over the years in that area. If you are at all familiar with motors and how the opperate you should be perfectly qualified to do the job yourself. With a basic mechanical knowledge, a repair manual, some jack stands and a torque wrench, a Saturday afternoon should see you through this problem.
If you dont have the time, tools, knowledge, or desire to do this job I would suggest you talk with some of your local friends and ask around about the mechanics around. Ask some one you trust to recommend a good garage.
There are alot of Corvette websites around too, lots of people to share stories and tips with
@mistyscott (3)
• New Zealand
6 Feb 07
Thank you for your reply. I am unable to do the job myself as i am in a wheelchair. I have been told the motor has to come out as there is not enough room between the pan and the crossmember to drop the pan. Do you know if this is correct. My owners repair manuel does not say if this has to be done. What part of the States are you from. I am in New Zealand
@Lazaras_Long (35)
• United States
7 Feb 07
I'm in North Carolina (south east US)
Well that does kinda change the approach a bit, the oil pan can come out with out droping the cross member but it can be a bit tricky. You have to get the car off the ground and then lift the motor to give the clearance you would need. Plus the oil pump will have to come out once the oil pan is off, this is kinda tight, as with most things on your car.
In your situation I would say the mechanic route is your beat bet.
When you take it in though have them replace the shaft that drives the oil pump with a all steel replacement.
Chevy decided to use a new type of thermal plastic (not sure what is called specifically) but it is a design flaw. The plastic gets britle and will wear out over time and not drive the pump, and you blow your engine.
The replacement is all steel and will same you alot of money in the long run. If your going to take the oil pan off anyway you should go ahead and do it now.
