How to Change the Oil Pan Gasket in a 1995 Buick Regal 3.8L
- 1). Park the Regal and set the parking brake. Brace the real wheels with wheel chocks for added safety and raise the front end using a floor jack. Place the two jack stands under the frame and lower the car onto the stands.
- 2). Open the hood, disconnect the negative battery post for added safety and take off the oil fill cap to relieve the oil pressure.
- 3). Put on your safety glasses and slide underneath the car on your back. Place an oil-recycling container directly under the oil drain plug (bolt). Remove the drain plug, being careful not to drop the plug into the oil container, and completely drain out the oil. Close the oil-recycling container and move it aside
- 4). Take out the oil pan mounting bolts that secure the pan using a socket wrench and gently tap the pan with a rubber mallet to break the seal. Scrape off the old gasket where the pan attaches to the engine using a paint scraper or razor.
- 5). Apply a thin layer of oil onto the rim of the oil pan using your finger. The oil will act as an adhesive to hold the gasket in place. Place the new replacement gasket on the oil pan and make sure that the mounting bolt holes are properly aligned with the mounting bolt holes.
- 6). Press the new oil pan against the engine block and screw in a few mounting bolts by hand on both sides to hold it in place. Screw in the remaining bolts by hand and tighten them all using the socket wrench in a crisscross pattern. Wipe off the excess oil on the pan so you can determine if it leaks.
- 7). Re-raise the car with the floor jack and remove both jack stands. Reconnect the battery and slowly pour in 5 qts. of new oil and allow it to settle. Check the oil level on the dipstick and add more oil as necessary, then start the engine and inspect the oil pan for leaks.
- 8). Properly dispose of the used oil through a certified recycling facility.
