How to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket in a Geo Metro

If you own a Geo Metro, you know that the Metro is a sturdy little workhorse that won't cost an arm and a leg when you fill the gas tank. However, after a few years of rugged use, it's normal for the oil pan gasket to wear out. Don't be surprised if you don't find a standard gasket; Geo Metros use a liquid sealer instead. Here's how to change the gasket in the 1995 to 2001 Metro.

Difficulty: Moderately ChallengingInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Jack and jack stand
Wheel blocks
Drain pan
Socket wrench
Clean rags
Engine degreaser or solvent
RTV sealant
Torque wrench
4 qt. motor oil

Step 1
Park the Geo Metro on a level surface. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Jack up the front end of the car and slide a jack stand under to hold it in place. Put blocks in front of the rear wheels to keep it steady.
Step 2
Crawl under the car and find the oil pan plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Put a drain pan under the plug. Loosen the plug with a socket wrench and remove it with your fingers so it doesn't fall in the oil pan. Let the oil drain into the pan, and once it's empty, replace the plug on the oil pan.
Step 3
Remove the dust cover on the flywheel and divide the support hanger from the catalytic converter. Take off the front exhaust pipe located between the tail pipe assembly and the exhaust manifold. Take off the crankshaft sensor. Use a socket wrench to remove the nuts and bolts holding the oil pan and remove them with your fingers so they don't drop into the old oil.
Step 4
Remove the oil pan and scrape off the old gasket material, being careful not to scrape the surface of the oil pan. Wipe the surface with engine degreaser or solvent.
Step 5
Run a bead of RTV sealant around the entire joining surface and quickly replace the oil pan. Tighten the nuts and bolts with a torque wrench, working from the center to the outside, tightening them to 97 inch lbs.
Step 6
Reinstall the reinforcement brace on the powertrain and torque the bolts as directed in the manual. Reinstall the front pipe and the catalytic converter and torque the front exhaust tail pipe to 26 foot lbs.
Step 7
Put the dust cover on the flywheel. Take the engine off the jack stand and replace the negative battery cable. Fill the engine with oil. Geo Metro models require between 3.5 and 4 qt.