Replacing the oil pan seal (Opel Astra J)

The oil pan flange is installed on a sealant, there is no gasket. Therefore, if there is an oil leak in the oil pan and cylinder block connector, tightening the oil pan mounting bolts will not lead to the desired result. It is necessary to remove the oil pan and replace its seal.

You will need: TORX socket heads E10 and E14, extension, and ratchet.

1. Remove the exhaust pipe (see Replacing the inlet pipe).

2. Drain the oil from the engine (see Changing engine oil and oil filter).



3. Press the lock and disconnect the wiring harness connector from the oil level sensor.



4. Remove the three bolts securing the oil pan to the clutch housing…



5. …bolts securing the oil pan to the cylinder block…





6. …and remove the crankcase.

7. If necessary, remove the oil deflector shield, for which…



[Original source on the website OPELBOOK]

8. …unscrew the bolts securing the oil deflector shield to the oil pan…



9. …and remove the shield.



10. Clean the mating surfaces of the cylinder block from old sealant…





11. …and the oil pan.



12. Apply a special sealant to the mating surface of the oil pan (MS 721140A or its equivalent) with a 4 mm diameter roller, and the line of sealant application should be on the inside of the mounting holes.

13. After 5 minutes of applying the sealant, install the oil pan on the cylinder block, screw in the pan mounting bolts and tighten them to the specified torque.

14. Install all removed parts and assemblies in the reverse order of removal.

15. Fill the engine with oil (see Changing engine oil and oil filter).

Note: You can fill the oil and start the engine no earlier than half an hour after installing the oil pan; this time is necessary for the sealant to polymerize.