Changing Oil Pan: 2005 Chevy Cobalt Diy Guide

If you're looking to change the oil pan on your 2005 Chevy Cobalt, there are a few steps you'll need to follow. First, drain the oil from the pan. Next, remove the oil pan retaining bolts and the old oil pan gasket, cleaning the surface. Then, put on a new gasket and reverse the process to install the new oil pan. It's important to make sure you have the correct oil pan for your car's make and model. Additionally, be careful not to damage the gasket when removing the oil pan, as this could create a bad seal.

Drain the oil from the pan

To drain the oil from the pan of a 2005 Chevy Cobalt, you'll need to place a drain pan underneath the bolt on the lowest point of the bottom of the motor. Turn this bolt all the way out to drain the oil.

Before you begin, it's important to place your car on ramps to access the underside of the vehicle.

Once the oil has drained, you'll need to remeasure the amount of oil you're putting back in. Place 3.5 litres of oil back into the engine, as the filter holds almost half a litre.

It's important to note that you should not run the car after changing the oil, as this could damage the valve seals and air filters.

Remove the oil pan retaining bolts

To remove the oil pan retaining bolts, you must first drain the oil from your Chevy oil pan. Once the oil is drained, you can start to remove the retaining bolts. It is important to note that there are a lot of bolts and some may be hidden, so take your time and use a light to inspect the area thoroughly. Make sure to remove every bolt, as leaving even one can result in damage to the flange when prying off the oil pan. There are also some bolts that go sideways through the pan towards the driver's side of the engine.

After removing all the bolts, you may need to tap the oil pan with a hammer to loosen it. If it still does not come off, go back and double-check that you have removed all the bolts. Before dropping the pan completely, you will need to pop the hood and remove the oil fill cap, plastic motor cover, intake tube hose clamp, and plastic intake. Look for the dipstick tube and follow it down to where it bolts to the intake manifold. Remove the nut holding the dipstick tube in place, as well as the wire harness that is clipped to the tube. Now you can lower the pan, being careful not to damage the dipstick.

Remove the oil pan gasket

To remove the oil pan gasket on a 2005 Chevy Cobalt, follow these steps:

First, confirm that the oil pan gasket is leaking. Lift your vehicle using a floor jack and clean the dirt and oil residue around the oil pan. Inspect the area around the oil pan and the engine block for signs of oil leaks. If engine oil residue, wetness, or dripping is present around the pan's edges, a gasket replacement is needed.

Once a leak is confirmed, place a drain pan under the vehicle, undo the oil filter and oil drain plug, and let the old oil drain out completely. To access the pan, you may need to remove the front subframe and the engine drive belt. Remove the lower AC compressor bolt.

Next, gently remove the oil pan bolt, being careful not to damage the oil pick-up located inside the oil pan. Remove the motor mount (engine mount), oil pan, and old gasket. Wipe clean the lower engine block, oil pan, and motor mount, and let them dry for a few minutes.

Now, you can prepare to install the new gasket. Apply a thin film of RTV (silicone rubber) to the mounting surface. Position the replacement oil sump gasket against the mounting surface and apply pressure. Take a few strands of a 3-4 inch long wire, peel off the insulation, and twist them loosely around the new gasket to keep it from moving.

Finally, install the pan bolt and untwist the wire strands. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and torque the oil pan bolt accordingly. Some engines require torquing the oil pan bolt identically, while others may require torquing the rear bolt differently from the front bolt.

Clean the surface

To clean the surface of your Chevy Cobalt's oil pan, start by removing any plastic covers under the hood. These can be scrubbed separately. It is also important to remove the negative terminal from the battery to protect the electrical components from water damage. You can also remove the battery if you prefer.

Next, cover any sensitive electrical components, such as the battery, ignition wires, and engine control unit, with plastic bags. If there is an exposed engine air intake under the hood, you will want to cover that as well.

Now, you can begin to clean the surface. Spray the entire engine compartment with a degreaser. You can use any household degreaser, such as a kitchen cleaner or a purpose-made engine degreaser. Make sure that every square inch is covered.

Depending on how dirty your engine is, you may not need to scrub. However, some areas, like the valve cover, may have years of caked-on oil and dirt. Use a small brush with synthetic bristles to work the degreaser into these areas and clean away the gunk. Add more degreaser if needed.

Finally, rinse the entire compartment with a power washer, standard hose, or the sprayer at a DIY car wash. Work from back to front, washing away all degreaser. Try not to directly spray electrical components, and avoid spraying water into areas that won't dry easily.

If you have compressed air, you can use it to blast air into the nooks and crannies to remove excess water. Otherwise, wipe everything you can reach with a shop towel or rag to remove water and any remaining grime.

Once the engine bay is clean and dry, reinstall the negative terminal on the battery and remove the bags covering the electrical components.

Put the new gasket on

Now that you have removed the old oil pan gasket and cleaned the surface, it's time to install the new gasket. This process is crucial to ensure a proper seal and prevent oil leaks. Here is a detailed guide on how to put on the new gasket when changing the oil pan on your 2005 Chevy Cobalt:

• Prepare the New Gasket: Take the new gasket and ensure it is the correct type for your Chevy Cobalt. It should fit precisely over the oil pan. Some gaskets may require trimming to match the exact shape of the oil pan.
• Apply Sealant: Before placing the new gasket, apply a thin coat of high-temperature RTV sealant to the cleaned surface of the engine block. This will enhance the seal and prevent leaks.
• Position the New Gasket: Carefully align the new gasket with the oil pan mounting surface on the engine block. Ensure that the gasket is positioned correctly and does not overlap with any oil passages or bolt holes.
• Secure the Gasket: Place the oil pan back in position and secure it with the retaining bolts. Tighten the bolts gradually and in a crosswise pattern to ensure even pressure. Refer to the torque specifications in your repair manual for the recommended tightening sequence and torque values.
• Reinstall Other Components: Reinstall the oil filter, refill the engine with the appropriate amount and type of oil, and replace any other components that were removed during the oil pan removal process.
• Final Checks: Before starting the engine, double-check all connections and ensure that the oil pan and gasket are securely installed. Check for any signs of oil leaks and correct if necessary.

Remember to consult a qualified mechanic or a repair manual specific to your Chevy Cobalt for detailed instructions and torque specifications. Working on an oil pan can be messy, so ensure you have the necessary tools, safety gear, and a suitable workspace.

Frequently asked questions