Oil Pan Gasket

[Mach]

Clark and Dave are right, pan gaskets aren't that difficult, the second time.

There are some things I have seen "professional" mechanics do with pan/valve cover gaskets that turn my stomach.

1) They use so much sealer I wind up pulling it from the pickup tube screen. Sealer is really only needed at 4 places on the gaskets, where each side gasket end meet with the end gaskets.

2) Use of clear RTV. I don't like silicone, seeing the clear crap used so far from its intended purpose ....

3) Over torque. Lots of "mechanics" tighted the pan/cover bolts untill they dimple the metal, crush and split the gasket. It's better to leave the bolts a little ( or more ) loose than any too tight. I'm not a big person and I wrist firm torque with a 1/4 inch drive.

I have seen one or more of the above on cork, rubber, rubber one piece, and rubber with spacers.

I like to use cork. It is less expensive and I can usually reuse it.


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