Installation (4.3L except "C" & "K" Series)

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NOTE: If transmission and oil pans are removed at same time. Transmission pan must be installed before oil pan. This allows for proper oil pan tolerance. Failure to achieve correct clearance can result in premature transmission failure.

Apply a 13/64 (5 mm) bead of RTV (12346141) or equivalent to front cover/block joint and for 1 (25 mm) in each direction at rear main seal housing/block joint. Install NEW oil pan gasket and oil pan. Slide oil pan back against a suitable straight edge. Oil pan alignment must always be flush or forward of the rear face of the engine block. Using a feeler gauge check the clearance between the 3 oil pan-to-transmission bell housing contact points. If clearance exceeds 0.011 (0.3 mm) repeat procedure until within specification. Install oil pan nuts and bolts, do not tighten. Recheck oil pan alignment. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification and in order. See Fig 1. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Recheck oil pan clearance to verify proper alignment.

Fig 1: Oil Pan Bolts Tightening Sequence (4.3L)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.