Ok. had to change my oil pan due to a stripped plug. The plug got worse and worse over time and eventually gave out. (Luckily while I was changing the oil) I have heard that it is recommended to replace the washer everytime you change the oil and I suppose that was my issue.

So I am now in the process of installing the new pan and wondered if anyone could give me advice on the gasket. The dealer sold me gasket in a can and I've never used it before. How tight should I crank the pan bolts? Does anyone know the torque specs?

Thanks for any input.

 

Starting about 1998 the oil pan uses sealant instead of an actual gasket. My shop manual doesn't cover the V-6, so I don't know the bolt torques.

Re-using the drain-plug washer probably wasn't the whole problem. More likely it's from over-tightening it.