So I’m rocking an ‘02 Saturn SL1. I picked it up a few years ago. Due to gas prices I’m trying to keep it alive. I just did the head gasket and water pump. However, I somehow managed to mess up the oil pan gasket. It’s dripping out oil. I’m just about to the point I can take out all the bolts to my oil pan. However, I noticed there are two bolts that are located in the worst possible spot next to the flywheel.
I know there has to be a way to remove those bolts without having to tear it down any further. I figured I’d come ask the experts before I mess something up.
Any help/tips would be extremely appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

 

Can you please post a picture of two from underneath, from a few angles? Want to be sure we're talking about the same thing. I assume you are on stands and not on a lift.

Before I forget, use the black permatex ultra for the gasket.

 

I’m not sure how well the photo will turn out via the forum. But it’s the two bolt on the oil pan that are the furthest to the driver side. They are directly inside the sprocket of the flywheel.
I had just purchased a flex extension, and low profile sockets. Still unable to reach the bolt heads.

 

Also, thank you for the quick response. I’ve referenced this site numerous times for various reasons. Since I’ve owned this car. I couldn’t find a “hack” video to get these bolts into clear view.
I’m wondering if maybe can I loosen up the bolts anchoring the flywheel case to the engine block. While jacking up the block. If maybe that might work?

 

Loosening the transmission bolts will not provide more clearance. You need a 1/4 drive wobbly socket. Snap-on and Mac tool trucks will have even lower profile versions of this tool. This is a picture of a 1/4 drive 10 mm wobbly socket sold at Napa. You might be able to grind down one of these lesser expensive sockets and make it work.

 

Got’em!!! So I used a 3” 1/4” drive extension with the low profile socket. I wasn’t able to get the full socket around the head. But it had enough grip to get the bolt out. I’m not sure how hard it’s gonna be to get it in. But I’ll cross that fridge later.

 

Nice, Andy. Nice.