'87 GT with 3800 (n/a) from an '00 Bonneville w/5 speed Getrag. The oil pan gasket is leaking. What needs to be done to replace it? I can't do it myself and there aren't many (if any) mechanics in town who have ever worked on a Fiero let alone one that has worked on a Fiero with a 3800. I have to be able to tell them how to do it. What kind of expense is generally involved in something like this?

I'm hoping the entire cradle doesn't have to be dropped but one tech (I'd hate to call him a mechanic) said that he thought the cradle had to be dropped and the motor/tranny separated. If that's the case, it sounds expensive and probably more money than I've got.

Depending on the mounts used you might need to loosen a couple bolts and raise the engine a bit. It can be done in the car no problem.

Can you be a bit more specific? I have a dogbone if that helps any.

Make sure it even has a gasket at all. Lots of cars now dont. My Sebring did not have an oil pan or valve cover gasket...all RTV. I bought it new. Ive even run across cars with no exhaust manifold gaskets...just metal to metal.

[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 05-18-2015).]

As I recall it is a 1 piece 1/4" thick (sort of gasket) with a "bead" around the edge that can get re-used. I "Think" all that is needed is for the gasket and sealing surface to be thoroughly CLEANED and a new "bead of sealer" put on each side. pretty sure the engine only has to come loose from a the mounts, definitely does NOT have to come out or drop the cradle.

quote Originally posted by Monkeyman: '87 GT with 3800 (n/a) from an '00 Bonneville w/5 speed Getrag. The oil pan gasket is leaking. What needs to be done to replace it? I can't do it myself and there aren't many (if any) mechanics in town who have ever worked on a Fiero let alone one that has worked on a Fiero with a 3800. I have to be able to tell them how to do it. What kind of expense is generally involved in something like this? I'm hoping the entire cradle doesn't have to be dropped but one tech (I'd hate to call him a mechanic) said that he thought the cradle had to be dropped and the motor/tranny separated. If that's the case, it sounds expensive and probably more money than I've got.

NO gasket except windage tray with a lining of 'gasket goop'...determine where it is leaking from and see if it is from loose bolts. In any event, there are about 20 bolts (I think) to remove to get this done; hopefully u don't ahve stuff in the way...other than that you can do the work yourself as already mentioned