For those that have done it before, did you follow the service manual's recommendation to use a seal cutter? I haven't had any luck finding this tool at any of the auto parts stores I've looked. . .I'll try home depot next. I guess I wonder if it's really necessary? I'm thinking yes since it specifically calls out not to use a flathead screwdriver. What have you guys done? Just chance it?

Here's the tool:

 

i just carefully pryed mine.

 

I've used a flat metal 3" putty knife. Worked just fine, also used it to clean off the remaining gasket on the pan and block.

 

i used a razor blade to clean up all that silicon

 

Sweet. Thanks guys! I've had a gasket scraper lying around for years, so it'll finally get put to use. I think I'll get a putty knife too and do a combo "pull gently" and attack it with the putty knife.

-andrew

 

Yup, just use the putty knife to get it loose. Then just carefully pry it off. Its just a tight fit under the car. Good luck!!

 

what happens if you use a oil pan gasket from an auto part store? or do you only use the ones from the dealer?

 

there's no pre-made oil pan gasket. You use Ultra Grey sealant in a tube to put it back together.

 

I don't know about that, I bought two from autozone when I got a 1" spacer. Worked and fit fine.

 

Yes there are and NAPA sells them.

 

so by using one of these gaskets, no sealant needs to be used??

 

correct.... NO sealant if you use a gasket. If you put sealant on, and a gasket, it's like double gasketing and it WILL more than likely cause a leak.
-GP-

 

here it is. $7.99:

 

^^thats pretty nice then. will have to remember that next time i pull my pan.

 

I would use the razor blade to cut the seal around the oil pan and then use a thick guage putty knife to slowly start prying around the oil pan. After that I would use the gasket scraper and remove all the RTV. Last I would prep the surface by wipe both seal areas with brake cleaner (Make sure you use the brake cleaner that leaves no residue) to remove and film of oil and to have a nice surface to adhere to.

Also if you use Permatex Ultra grey. You have 5 minutes to have surface together and you have to wait 24 hrs for the RTV to cure. After that, put in the oil and filter and start the car and check for leaks.