How do I Remove the Engine Oil Pan in a 1996 S-10 Chevrolet 4.3 Pickup?

The 1996 Chevrolet S-10 4.3 pickup truck has an oil pan which stores excess fluid as it circulates through the engine. Whenever there is a crack in the pan, it needs to be removed and replaced so the engine holds oil again. It is also removed in order to change the transmission fluid in the truck. Learning how to remove the oil pan is a quick lesson that will come in handy for a variety of maintenance and repair jobs.

• 1

  Place the front of the Chevy pickup up on a pair of jack stands to reach the underside of the engine more easily. Wait approximately 30 minutes after driving for the engine to cool down to do any of the work.

• 2

  Slide underneath the vehicle and locate the oil pan in the center of the engine, slightly off toward the driver's side. The oil pan is a large, black, metal tank secured by eight bolts.

• 3

  Place a 6 quart (minimum) collection pan beneath the oil pan. Remove all but one bolt from around the pan with a 3/8-inch socket wrench. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the fluid to stop draining over the sides. Hold the oil pan steady with one hand and remove the final bolt. Slowly tilt the pan until the remaining fluid drains into the collection pan.

• 4

  Wash off the oil pan and the bolts to remove the built-up of fluid residue.