Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Savana and 2003 Chevrolet Chevy Express. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Any time the transmission and the engine oil pan are off of the engine at the same time, install the transmission before the oil pan. This is to allow for the proper oil pan alignment. Failure to achieve the correct oil pan alignment can result in transmission failure.

Apply a 5 mm (0.197 in) wide and 25 mm (1.0 in) long bead of adhesive GM P/N 12346141 (Canadian P/N 10953433) or equivalent to both the right and left sides of the engine front cover to engine block junction at the oil pan sealing surfaces.

Fig 1: Applying Adhesive To Right & Left Sides Of Engine Front Cover To Engine Block Junction
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Apply a 5 mm (0.197 in) wide and 25 mm (1.0 in) long bead of adhesive GM P/N 12346141 (Canadian P/N 10953433) or equivalent to both the right and left sides of the crankshaft rear oil seal housing to engine block junction at the oil pan sealing surfaces.

Fig 2: Applying Adhesive To Right & Left Sides Of Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Housing To Engine Block Junction
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Always install a NEW oil pan gasket. The oil pan gasket and oil pan must be installed and the fasteners tightened while the adhesive is still wet to the touch.
Install the NEW oil pan gasket into the groove in the oil pan.

Fig 3: Installing Oil Pan Gasket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: The oil pan alignment must always be flush or forward no more than 0.3 mm (0.011 in) from the rear face of the engine block.
Install the oil pan onto the engine block.
Press the oil pan gasket into the grooves of the engine front cover and crankshaft rear oil seal housing.
Slide the oil pan back against a suitable straight edge.

Fig 4: Installing Oil Pan
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the oil pan bolts and nuts, but do not tighten.
Measure the pan-to-transmission housing clearance using a feeler gage and a straight edge.
Use a feeler gage to check the clearance between the oil pan-to-transmission housing measurement points. If the clearance exceeds 0.3 mm (0.011 in) at any of the 3 oil pan-to-transmission housing measurement points (1), then repeat the step until the oil pan-to-transmission housing clearance is within the specification. The oil pan must always be forward of the rear face of the engine block.

Fig 5: Installing Oil Pan Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Tighten the oil pan bolts and nuts in sequence (1-12).
Tighten

Tighten the oil pan bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
Measure the clearance between the 3 oil pan-to-transmission housing measurement points in order to ensure proper alignment.

Fig 6: Tightening Oil Pan Bolts & Nuts In Sequence
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install a NEW oil pan drain plug seal (O-ring) onto the oil pan drain plug.
Install the oil pan drain plug into the oil pan.
Tighten

Tighten the oil pan drain plug to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

Fig 7: Installing Oil Pan Drain Plug Seal
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the NEW engine oil level sensor, if applicable.
Tighten

Tighten the engine oil level sensor to 13 N.m (115 lb in).

Fig 8: Installing Engine Oil Level Sensor
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the transmission to oil pan bolts.
Tighten

Tighten the bolts to 47 N.m (35 lb ft).

Fig 9: Installing Transmission To Oil Pan Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the transmission cover.
Tighten

Tighten the transmission cover bolts to 12 N.m (106 lb in).

Fig 10: Installing Transmission Cover & Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the access plugs for the oil pan rear nuts.
Install the starter motor. Refer to STARTER MOTOR REPLACEMENT (4.3L) or STARTER MOTOR REPLACEMENT (4.8L, 5.3L & 6.0L) .

Fig 11: Installing Access Plugs For Oil Pan Rear Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the bolt holding the bracket for the starter wiring harness and the transmission cooler pipes.
Tighten

Tighten the bracket bolt to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
Install the CKP sensor wiring harness in the retainer.
Install the oil filter adapter. Refer to Oil Filter Adapter Replacement .
Install the oil filter and the oil pan drain plug. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
If equipped with AWD, install the front differential carrier. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT .
Lower the vehicle.

Fig 12: Installing Starter Wiring Harness & Transmission Cooler Pipes Bracket Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fill the crankcase with engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
Connect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure .