To seal or not to seal
 

Ok, I know that I have been told by a very knowledgable member that you need to put GM engine seal on my oil pan gasket before putting it on. BUT, the guy at the auto parts store says that he has changed 100 gaskets and never put sealer on them. I asked him why should I noto do this, and he told me because rubber gaskets exspand and contract with the weather and if you seal them in place they wont and will tear, and then leak.

Maybe this person didn't realize that I have a 92 NA, the gaskets are differnt between series one and two correct?

I just want to know for certin what I need to do because I plan on doing this over the weekend............

I've tried with and without and have better results with gasket maker on the gasket.

Really? thats amazing considering the thickness of the gasket. Ok, thanks for letting me know......

With GM and Chrysler reinforced composite gaskets (like ours) I don't unless there's a bent lip on the pan.

You DO want to put some where your timing cover meets the block and oil pan (a little dab to seal where they join) and a little where your oil level sensor passes through the gasket (if it does).

My preference is 'mostly dry' with 'insurance spots'.

Ok Cool...... My sensor is in the side of the pan so no worries there. But I will seal as directed, Thanks.......

All our oil level sensors are in the side of the pan ;)

A GM parts guy automatically handed me GM sealant for an oil pan gasket. Seems that in the manufacturing some of the pan edges are not very flat. The sealant will take care of any imperfections.

Whats weird is when I had mine done with a Genuine GM Oil Pan Gasket, the directions said NOT to put selant on since the gasket could squeeze out if overtightened. My Brother put some black GM sealer on mine when he did it.

No leaks yet.

Well this is very interesting indeed. It seems that we have mixed opinions on what the proper way to install a new OP gasket is. All I know if that the one I have now (intalled less than 2 years ago) Is leaking pretty good. :?