Upper and lower oil pans, HUH???

mikeyk101 · May 5, 2023

So I needed to bring my 2016 Silverado in to dealer for oil change before it hit 0%. It was at 6% and I had a bunch of running around to do this weekend. I know I could do it myself but it doesn't seem to really cost that much more and a record is maintained as my GM Protection Plan is still going for another 2 years and just over 35k miles. And turns out, I'm really glad it's still active.

When the service writer came to waiting room, she began telling me that they discovered during the inspection that my upper oil pan gasket was leaking along with the crimps on my transmission cooling lines. When she mentioned upper oil pan, I thought I had mus heard her and asked, "upper oil pan???". She repeated that it was the upper oil pan and that the lower oil pan would also be done at same time as lower pan needs to come off to do the upper oil pan. I had never heard of an upper and lower oil pan before but she assured me that this is needed for the 8qt capacity of these.

So is this correct and my 5.3l engine has both an upper and lower oil pan???

On a side note, she first showed me the estimate and for the oil pan gaskets, there was a quote of around $2500. For replacing the transmission cooler lines, the quote was just over $500. I asked if my Protection Plan would cover these. She was unaware that mine was still under the Plan but said it might and she would call to get authorization. She called me back later this afternoon and said the contact at the Plan told her both repairs are "eligible" and should be covered. I questioned that eligible part and she said sometimes the Plan will ask for photos of the problem or send a Rep to further inspect but short of the oil pan having a huge dent from misuse, there is no reason for the repairs to not be covered. Although (knock on wood) I haven't had any major issues through the years like collapsed lifters, failed torque converter, etc, these repairs and what they cost will well push me over the top of what I paid for the Protection Plan and it was definitely money well spent.

Edited May 5, 2023 by mikeyk101

CamGTP · May 5, 2023

Yes, it's a two piece oil pan. The upper is aluminum and the lower a steel pan.

It's a big job to do both and with current labor rates and book time, that's why a dealership charges so much.

mikeyk101 · May 6, 2023

Interesting, I learned something new today. Thanks for the pic.

The only downside to this is that had I known about the leak, I would have held off on the oil change as it needs to be done anyway when changing the seal. And I was told all fluids would be covered if needed for the repair. I'm guessing I could have just paid for an oil filter and installation cost on that.

Edited May 6, 2023 by mikeyk101