Oil leak from top side of oil filter

1. Disconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Cable Replacement (Positive/Negative) in Starting and Charging.
2. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Remove the oil pan drain plug and drain the engine oil into a suitable container.
4. Remove the oil filter.
5. Remove the oil pan skid plate.
6. Remove the crossbar.
7. Remove the bolts holding the battery cable brackets to the oil pan.
8. Remove the starter and move aside. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Starting and Charging.
9. Remove the transmission cover.
10. Remove the bracket for the starter positive cable and the transmission cooler lines form the side of the oil pan.
11. Disconnect the low oil level sensor electrical connector.
12. Remove the access plugs for the oil pan rear nuts.

13. Remove the following oil pan fasteners:
13.1. Remove the oil pan bolts.
13.2. Remove the two nuts at the crankshaft rear oil seal housing.
13.3. Remove the transmission to oil pan bolts.

14. Remove the oil pan and the gasket. Refer to Oil Pan Removal.

IMPORTANT: The low oil level sensor is not reusable. Use a NEW low oil sensor.

15. Remove the low oil level sensor, if required.
16. Clean all sealing surfaces on the engine and the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Clean and Inspect.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

IMPORTANT: The low oil level sensor is not reusable. Use a NEW low oil sensor.

1. Install a NEW low oil level sensor, if removed.
Tighten the sensor to 20 Nm (15 ft. Lbs).
NOTICE: Any time the transmission and the engine oil pan are off of the engine at the same time, install the transmission before the oil pan. This is to allow for the proper measurement of the oil pan tolerance. Failure to achieve the correct clearance can result in premature transmission failure.
2. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Installation.
3. Install the transmission to oil pan bolts and nuts.
Tighten the bolts to 47 Nm (35 ft. Lbs.).
4. Install the access plugs for the oil pan rear nuts,
5. Install the bracket for the starter positive cable and the transmission cooler lines to the side of the oil pan.
Tighten the bolts to 12 Nm (106 inch lbs).
6. Connect the low oil level sensor electrical connector.
7. Install the transmission cover.
Tighten the bolts to 12 Nm (106 inch lbs).
8. Install the starter. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Starting and Charging.
9. Install the bolts holding the battery cable brackets to the oil pan.
Tighten the bolts to 12 Nm (106 inch lbs).
10. Install the crossbar.
Tighten the bolts to 100 Nm (74 ft. Lbs.).
11. Install the oil pan skid plate.
Tighten the bolts to 20 Nm (15 ft. Lbs).
12. Install the oil filter and the oil pan drain plug. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Fill the engine with oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement
15. Connect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Cable Replacement (Positive/Negative) in Starting and Charging.

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

did you replace the seal on the bolt that holds it on

I am not sure, But there could be six more bolts to remove. They will be on the side of the pan, about half way up. three on each side. Sorry for guessing, I work on to many makes and models. Also the gaskets do hold the pan on tight sometimes. If there are no extra bolts then carefully pry it off.

This is for a 3.3L motor
Hope this helps, it it does please leave feedback and vote Thank You and Good Luck

REMOVAL

1. Release hood latch and open hood.

Removal/Installation of Battery Cables

1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Remove windshield wiper housing, refer to the Windshield Wipers and Washers for proper procedures.
3. Remove accessory drive belt.

Generator Mounting Bracket

1. Remove bolt holding top of generator mount bracket to engine air intake plenum.
2. Remove bolts holding outside of generator mount bracket to generator mount plate.
3. Remove bolt holding top of generator to mount bracket.
4. Remove generator mount bracket from vehicle.
5. Rotate generator toward rear dash panel.

Generator

1. Disconnect the push-in field wire connector . from back of generator.
2. Remove nut holding B+ wire terminal to back of generator.
3. Separate B+ terminal from generator.

Generator Pivot Bolt

1. Remove bolt holding bottom of generator to lower pivot bracket.

Generator

1. Remove generator from vehicle

INSTALLATION

1. Place generator in position on vehicle.
2. Install bolt to hold bottom of generator to lower pivot bracket.
3. Place B+ terminal in position on generator.
4. Install nut to hold B+ wire terminal to back of generator.
5. Connect the push-in field wire connector into back of generator.
6. Rotate generator forward away from dash panel.
7. Place generator mount bracket in position on vehicle.
8. Install bolt to hold top of generator to mount bracket.
9. Install bolts to hold outside of generator mount bracket to generator mount plate.
10. Install bolt to hold top of generator mount bracket to engine air intake plenum.
11. Install accessory drive belt.
12. Install windshield wiper housing, refer to the Windshield Wipers and Washers for proper procedures.
13. Connect battery negative cable.
14. Verify generator charge rate.

Did you remove the catalytic converter, and motor mount? Lots of stuff has to come off to get this pan out. :o(

3.8L Engine

1. Drain the engine oil.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Throttle body air inlet duct Engine mount struts Accessory drive belt
   
3. Install an engine support fixture.
   
   Catalytic converter from the right exhaust manifold Right front wheel Right side splash shield Oil filter and discard A/C compressor bracket and reposition the compressor Power steering oil cooler pipe brackets from the frame Engine mount bracket bolts Lower engine mount nuts Torque converter cover Oil level sensor electrical connector Oil level sensor
   
4. Raise the vehicle and place a support under the frame.
   
   Right side frame bolts and loosen the left side bolts Engine mount and bracket Oil pan

I didn't read about running the engine at all during the transmission fluid change. --- Removal & Installation 4L60E/4L65E To Remove:

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Place a drain pan under the transmission.
3. If equipped with a drain plug, drain the transmission fluid.
4. If necessary, remove the bolts and position aside the range selector cable bracket for clearance while lowering the pan. It is not necessary to remove the cable from the lever or bracket.
5. Remove the catalytic converter.
6. Remove the oil pan bolts from the front and sides of the pan only.
7. Loosen the rear oil pan mounting bolts about 4 turns.
8. Lightly tap the oil pan with a rubber mallet in order to loosen the pan and allow the fluid to drain.
9. Remove the remaining oil pan bolts.
10. Remove the oil pan and the gasket.
11. Remove the filter by twisting and pulling on it.
12. Remove and discard the filter seal. The filter seal may be stuck in the pump; if necessary, carefully use pliers or another suitable tool to remove the seal.
13. Clean the transmission and the oil pan sealing surfaces with solvent, and air dry. You must remove all traces of the old gasket material.

To Install:

1. Coat the new filter seal with transmission fluid.
2. Install the new filter seal into the transmission case. Tap the seal into place using a suitable size socket.
3. Install the new filter.
4. Install the oil pan and new gasket. Tighten the bolts alternately and evenly to 97 lb in (11 Nm).
5. Install the catalytic converter.
6. If previously removed, install the range selector cable bracket and bolts. Tighten the bolts to 18 lb ft (25 Nm).
7. Apply a small amount of sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480), or equivalent to the threads of the oil pan drain plug, if equipped.
8. Install the oil pan drain plug, if equipped. Tighten the plug to 13 lb ft (18 Nm).
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Fill the transmission to the proper level with DEXRON® III transmission fluid.
11. Check the COLD fluid level reading for initial fill only.
12. Inspect the oil pan gasket for leaks.

4L80E/4L85E To Remove:

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
2. Place a drain pan under the transmission oil pan. Drain the transmission fluid and install the plug. Tighten the drain plug to 13 lb ft (18 Nm).
3. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
4. Remove the transmission crossmember.
5. Disconnect the range selector cable end from the transmission range selector lever ball stud. NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the selector cable from the bracket.
   
6. Remove the transmission range selector cable bracket. Reposition the bracket and cable.
7. Remove the oil pan bolts. NOTE: The transmission oil pan gasket is reusable. Replace as needed.
   
8. Remove the oil pan and gasket.
9. Remove the magnet from the bottom of the pan, if necessary.
10. Remove the oil filter and neck seal.

To Install:

1. Clean the transmission and the oil pan sealing surfaces with solvent.
2. Install the filter neck seal and filter.
3. Install the oil pan gasket to the pan.
4. Install the magnet into the bottom of the pan, if necessary.
5. Install the oil pan and bolts. Tighten the oil pan bolts to 18 lb ft (24 Nm).
6. Install the transmission range selector cable bracket. Tighten the bolts to 18 lb ft (25 Nm).
7. Connect the range selector cable end to the transmission range selector lever ball stud.
8. Install the transmission crossmember. Tighten the fasteners to 70 lb ft (95 Nm).
9. Install the transmission mount nuts. Tighten the nuts to 30 lb ft (40 Nm).
10. Remove the transmission jack.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Fill the transmission to the proper level with DEXRON® III transmission fluid.

2wd Models

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Drain the engine oil.
   
2. Remove the oil dipstick.
   
3. If necessary remove the exhaust pipe crossover.
   
4. If equipped with automatic transmission, remove the converter housing pan and the transmission oil cooler line retainer from the bracket.
   
5. On 1996-98 models, remove the oil filter and if equipped, the oil filter adapter.
   
6. If necessary, remove the starter brace and bolt and swing the starter aside.
   
7. Remove the strut rods, if equipped.
   
8. Remove the oil pan and discard the gaskets.
   

To install:

1. Apply a suitable sealant such as GM part number 12346192 or its equivalent to the front cover-to-block joint and to the rear crankshaft seal-to-block joint. Apply the sealant about 1 inch (25mm) in both directions from each of the four corners.
   
2. Clean all gasket surfaces and use new gaskets to assemble.
   
3. Install new gasket and seals.
   
4. Install the oil pan.
   
5. On 1988-95 models, tighten the pan bolts to 100 inch lbs. (11 Nm). Tighten the pan nuts to 17 ft. lbs. (23 Nm).
   
6. On 1996-98 models, tighten the oil pan nuts and bolts to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).
   
7. Install the strut rods, if equipped.
   
8. If removed, install starter, starter brace and bolt.
   
9. If equipped, install the oil filter adapter.
   
10. If removed, install the oil filter.
    
11. If equipped with automatic transmission, install the converter housing pan and the transmission oil cooler line retainer to the bracket.
    
12. Install the exhaust pipe crossover.
    
13. Install the oil dipstick.
    
14. Fill the engine with oil and check for leaks.
    

get a normal oil filter if oil "O" ring leaks You may have an obstruction on Your oil pressure

The lines can be disconnected from both ends and the bracket removed but to remove the lines from the front (they cannot be removed to the rear) loosen and remove the drivers side engine mount bolt. Use a block of wood between a floor jack and the cast aluminum oil pan and jack the engine assy. up slightly (just enough to "snake" the oil filter adapter lines by the drivers side engine mount. Leave engine jacked up slightly while you "snake" the new lines into position and install the end at the engine oil filter adapter. You can then lower the engine reinstall engine mount bolt and finish the install of the lines by installing the oil filter end of the adapter lines and attach the bracket (that comes with the GM lines) to the block.