[Kaliimc]

Just wanted to say thanks guys for your inputs and comments about this project because you helped me make up my mind that I could do this myself and save the "arm & a leg" cost. Also, just to give you an idea of my mechanical abilities, I think I might have some now. This was a major plunge for me as I thought I was doing good at spark plug changes before this.

What I did was read and re-read the Bentley over and over, getting the mental process in my mind, this allowed me to overcome my fear of a big project, and also allowed me to figure out that I needed to buy a few things like the gasket sealant the Bentley asks for ( I got 3M from NAPA), as well as get the right tools ready. This probably saved me only a few minutes though.

After getting pissed off at the oil spots collecting on the driveway I started trying to figure out where the oil was coming from. After more than one wipe down and observe test I assumed it was the oil pan gasket.

Since I am in the Army Reserve I have access to the Auto Skills Center where there are bays with lifts and about any type of tool you would need for a super cheap "cost". 7 hours later there is a new gasket installed, and I know the car better now.

Over the next week the car kept dripping oil on the asphalt! My wife made an appointment at the local independant mechanic and he determined it was the oil filter housing gasket. He gave us the gasket and 2 o-rings for free. 3 hours later, my car appears to be drip free!

During this process we purchased new tires for the car so it rides really nice now just because of that. But I did something else that I cannot figure out, and now the car runs really smooth (as compared to before) and seems to have more power. Maybe I twisted an intake hose and stopped a minor air leak, I don't know, but I'm not going to complain!