Oil pan gasket

[Stewart G Griffin]

So if you're using a one piece gasket, then you DONT need the rubber hump that fits in the timing cover?

[Stewart G Griffin]

So if you're using a one piece gasket, then you DONT need the rubber hump that fits in the timing cover?

OK, nevermind. You don't use it if you're using the one piece oil pan gasket.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Now about the one piece gasket:

Fel-pro says not to use ANY silicone sealer on the block, gasket or pan EXCEPT at the four corners of the pan.   The factory service manual says only to use a little rtv at the 4 corners of the pan only----not any on the block or gasket.

Where exactly to put the RTV/silicone?   Pics?

i've seen some people on the 'Tube using the gasket with no sealant whatsoever---even in the corners.  And no leaks apparently.

[blazer74]

Right or wrong I used just a dab at the corners of the block just because it looked like a good idea.

That was years ago and never a leak even after dropping the pan once.

Problem with RTV is using too much along with gaskets, specially cork.

[VileZambonie]

Use the Right Stuff RTV along the end seals and across the corners. All you need is a small bead, wipe excess away with your finger.

[philo_beddoe]

Why rtv? Whats the primary function of the gasket?

[VileZambonie]

Because the gasket alone cannot adequately account for variations and tolerances between the materials whereas the RTV can fill the void with the elasticity needed for extreme temperature changes. Remember this is not a rigid flange where you can assure clamping force is always applied through the stretch of the bolt..  rather think of it as a landscape composed of different terrain that requires a tight seal from extreme cold to extreme hot. Now if you never want to remove your oil pan without destroying it then you would use the gasket.

[philo_beddoe]

Understood.

[Stewart G Griffin]

So, where to put the RTV?

i wish the directions and service manual and folks in general would be more detailed.  If a surgery was going to be performed, they wouldn't say, "just cut near the ribs...."   Why should cars be any different?

So, felpro is saying to put "a small amount of RTV to each of the 4 corners on the block side of the gasket."

The service manual says to put  " A small amount of  RTV sealant (GM  part number 1052751  or  equivalent)  to  the  front  and  rear
corners of the oil  pan."

After putting the 1 piece gasket on both the block and pan, it appears that the only place it could leak would be the rear at these two points:



But basically what is meant by the "corners of the pan?"

For the front seal, the gasket is actually pretty good and it appears that the only place it might leak would be here:



And for the rear, this looks like a possible leak point:



i've also seen someone on the 'Tube using no sealant whatsover and getting no leaks.  Will try to post the link.

[Irish_Alley]

if im using rtv on a gasket its only to hold it in place while its being assembled. I would apply it to each corner of the pan and let it get tacky then place the gasket on with the bolt holes lined up and let it sit for a few minutes. This is how I would do it vile might do it one way the book may say one way and the direction may say another. If in doubt I would follow the direction from the gasket cause it would be the most up to date instructions with research behind it

[blazer74]

 If your using the  one piece felpro, It comes with the plastic stud retainers that screw in the block to hold the gasket up while you install the pan.

Very nice.

Just a very light transparent smear of RTV on the surface when installing gaskets when needed, otherwise none at all.