Replacing 94 Eurovan Oil Pan Gasket

[dmancan]

Hello, first time poster, long time troller.

I have a 94 Eurovan, 2.5L Manual. It has a leak around the oil pan so I've had the shop replace the gasket. They're having trouble removing the oil pan and claim the transmission needs to be removed in order to get to some bolts.

Does someone have some experience with a gasket replacement? Can you explain why some bolts related to the transmission are causing issues?

[volkybus]

They are wrong!! I replaced mine twice as the bolt was welded to the pan when I changed the oil by unbolting ALL the bolts . The ones next to the tranny on a stick need special Allen wrench with a socket.. very hard work plus the back ones are a challenge also.. use lots of gasket maker on the tranny end.. good luck and keep us posted ...Bill Vt & PR

[subdewd]

Agree noneedto remove

[dmancan]

RESOLVED: Thanks for your responses. I went down to the shop and had a look at what they were dealing with. Let me explain. The oil pan on a 94 Eurovan is snugged up against the engine/transmission. Once all the bolts around the edge are removed you still can't get the pan off because of two remaining bolts that are recessed (and partially seen through their entry ports) behind the flywheel. I found a post on TheSamba that explains you need to turn the flywheel until you find a cutout on the flywheel that gives you full access to the bolts.

Note: the mechanic thought that that was the solution and rotated the flywheel but missed the cutout. Once I showed him the explanation posted here on TheSamba he tried again and found the slot.

I hope this post will help another bewildered mechanic.

[wannabecamper]

Thanks for sharing this.