Does one need to pull engine to replace upper oil pan gasket?
 

There seems to be a persistent "rumor" that in order to replace the "gasket" (or sealant) on the upper oil pan of a 1st gen LS400, the engine must be pulled. I've had more than one seemingly reputable repair shop tell me the same thing.

Yet I've read posts here and elsewhere that seem to indicate that it's just a matter of dropping the pan(s), cleaning the joining surfaces and using a good (preferably Toyota) sealant.

Which is true?

Thanks!

DT in Houston

'90 LS400 300K+ miles (odometer has stopped working)
'99 LS400 210K miles

afaik the lower pan can be dropped without issue to reseal.

upper pan is well blocked by the subframe. good luck getting that out.

The lower pan can come out without a problem, I've done mine. The upper pan can not come out without pulling the engine, going by what my 93 service manual says. If you pull the engine to do that gasket you might as well do alot more stuff while everything is in the open such as motor mounts, timing belt, rear main seal, front tranny seal, and whatever else is hard to do while the engine is in.