Remove oil pan from a 1997 chev Astro van 4.3l. I have remomed all the bolts I can see but the pan will not come off.

looks like a tough job ahead

taking the sump off ?...motor in the engine bay

could try undoing plenty and lift the body up

if you cant get clearance under neath with motor in the engine bay
motor will have to come out


if trying with motor in the engine bay
lots of drive train in the way ..
undo engine mounts
support the motor .... even lift motor a bit
for clearance from steering gear and chassis ,suspension etc
to get the sump off



cant tell if it covers AWD
2001 Chevrolet Astro Manuals

Hi, Put the front of the van up on stands and start loosening the oil pan bolts from the back........CHEERS..

On the WEB:
images for 1996 astro van oil pan removal

Are you referring to the oil filter? It is located under the engine on the drivers side just in front of the flywheel cover on the transmission. The drain plug is a 15mm bolt.

although the transmission pan is easily removable in my 05 Dakota it is almost impossible to remove a oil pan without putting it on a lift assuming it is on a lift I would suggest taking out the filter housing

The oil pump is holding it on,

You will have to remove the engine mount bolts, there are two long ones, one on each side.Then you will have to raise the engine, probably to the point that it starts raising the van. Then the pan should come out. sometimes they need alittle help. Good luck
Randy

Hello
Welcome!
Oil pump is located on the oil pan.
Parts needed,,,oil,,,, oil filter,,,, oil pan gasket,,, oil pump,,,, oil pump pickup tube..
time to do this,, about 3 hours
Instructions,
Raise van place on 2 jack stands
drain oil remove oil filter fill new filter install.
remove bolts from oil pan,
remove oil pan..
remove 2 bolts that hold oil pump and tube.

install new pump and tube tork bolts to 45 fp
replace oil pan gasket and install oil pan
tork pan bolts to 35" pounds
install drain plug
fill with oil
start and check for leaks

let me know if i can help more

The Shift solenoids are located in the transmission oil pan. I would recommend replacing both shift solenoids while you're in there. Also replace the filter and pan gasket. The shift solenoids are located towards the rear of the valvebody and will be identical to each other. They are held in place by a retaining clip which is easily removed with a small screwdriver or similar tool. Care must be taken as parts may fly out of the bore when the solenoids are removed. Hope this helps.

1998 chevy astro 4.3 v6 torque specs include :
* foot pounds *
balance shaft (if equiped) gear bolt = step 1 = 15 ft.lbs. step2 = additional 35 degrees.
camshaft sprocket bolt = 18 ft. lbs.
connecting rod cap = step 1 = 20 ft. lbs. step 2 = additional 70 degrees.
crankshaft damper bolt = 74 ft. lbs.
crankshaft oil deflectorbolt/nut = 27 ft.lbs.
cylinder head bolts = step 1 = 15 ft. lbs. step 2 = additional 73 degrees. (tighten in sequence)



exhaust manifold bolts = step 1 = 11 ft. lbs. step 2 = 22 ft. lbs.
flywheel bolt = 74 ft. lbs.
main bearing cap bolts = step 1 = 15 ft. lbs. step 2 = additional 73 degrees.
oil filter adapter bolt = 15 ft. lbs.
oil pan bolt/nut = 18 ft. lbs.
oil pump bolt = 66 ft. lbs.
rocker arm with press in studs = 18 ft. lbs.
rocker arm with screw in studs = 19 ft. lbs.
valve lifter retainer bolt = 12 ft. lbs.
water pump bolt = 33 ft. lbs.
* inch pounds *
balance shaft retaining plate bolt = 106 in. lbs.
camshaft retainer plate bolt = 106 in. lbs.
front cover bolt = 106 in. lbs.
intake manifold upper = step 1 = 44 in. lbs. step 2 = 88 in. lbs.
intake manifold lower = step 1 = 27 in. lbs. step 2 = 106 in. lbs. step 3 = 133 in. lbs. ** (tighten bolts in sequence)



thanks for your vote !