Here's a breakdown:
* Draining the Oil: Start by removing the drain plug from the bottom of the oil pan. This will remove the bulk of the oil. Let it drain completely. This alone, however, won't get all of it.
* The Challenge: The remaining oil will be trapped in the pan itself. Getting it all out without removing the pan involves significant risk of spills and making the gasket replacement harder. Depending on the design of the two-part gasket and the pan's shape, removing the pan might be the easier and cleaner option. Removing the pan typically requires lowering it from underneath the car.
* Sucking it out: You could try using a shop vac or a specific oil evacuation pump to remove most of the remaining oil, but you might still leave some behind. A shop vac is riskier as it can be messy and damage components if not used carefully.
Recommendation:
While you *can* attempt to remove the majority of the oil without removing the pan, it's generally recommended to remove the oil pan. This ensures a complete oil removal, a cleaner work area for gasket replacement, and reduces the risk of damaging anything during the repair. The added effort of pan removal is usually worthwhile for a proper and long-lasting repair.
Before starting, consult a repair manual specific to your 1988 Cadillac Brougham. This will provide detailed instructions and diagrams for oil pan removal and gasket replacement. This is essential, especially given the two-part gasket. Improper procedure could damage the oil pan or engine.
