Oil pan gasket--use RTV or not????
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Purgatory
Oil pan gasket--use RTV or not????
I've heard conflicting stories on whether or not to use RTV or even high-tack on oil pan gaskets. I've also had good and bad results using it and not using it.
What do you guys use? And does it matter if the gasket is cork vs. rubber (which is preferred)??
What do you guys use? And does it matter if the gasket is cork vs. rubber (which is preferred)??
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True Car Nut
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta, _______Canada._______ West Coast Bonneville Fest ___05,06,07 Survivor___
depending on the gasket you might not even need it. Cork gaskets i would use some high tack to stick it to the block and a small ammount of RTV evenly spread to stick it to the pan. If you go to some parts stores they actually sell rubber ones that come with 4 plastic screw in pins to hold the gasket in place as you slip the pan on to the block, these pins go through the bolt holes on the pan, and once you have bolted the rest in, you remove the plastic ones and put the corresponding bolts in there spots. Also if your doing this to a Bonneville, check the tech info for the correct tourqe spec!
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Certified GM nut
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From: Eden Prairie, MN
screw the gaskets.........make your own with the RIGHT STUFF
my dad works on 3800s almost everyday........what he recommends by far..
thats from my experience........
The Right Stuff Gasket Maker seals instantly to form reliable, long lasting elastomeric rubber gaskets. Outperforms pre-cut gaskets. Makes any size or shape gasket for automotive and industrial applications. Great for valve covers, oil pans, pumps, compressors, transmissions, gearbox covers, etc. Used on OEM production lines. This size can makes 8-10 average sized four cylinder valve cover gaskets. By Permatex?.
my dad works on 3800s almost everyday........what he recommends by far..
thats from my experience........
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Posts like a Ricer Type-R
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I can't speak for that stuff, but it sounds similar to the OEM gasket material. Cork is a proven bad idea on the 3800 oil pan, partially because the oil level sensor harness actually passes through the gasket. Most cork attempts will leak in a very short period of time.
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Posts like a Northstar
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From: southern California
I agree with Will.
I never use cork on anything anymore, and in my experience RTV will eventually leak and you won't then be able to tighten the bolts to try to stop the leak once the RTV separates from the mating surface because it'll just be squeezed out as the bolts are tightened.
And on a similar note, I must say I'm impressed with the metal clad OEM gasket they use on the tranny pan. That gasket does its job well, and should last quite a while.
I never use cork on anything anymore, and in my experience RTV will eventually leak and you won't then be able to tighten the bolts to try to stop the leak once the RTV separates from the mating surface because it'll just be squeezed out as the bolts are tightened.
And on a similar note, I must say I'm impressed with the metal clad OEM gasket they use on the tranny pan. That gasket does its job well, and should last quite a while.
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Posts like a Corvette
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From: Ardmore, Oklahoma
Originally Posted by zzzzzeke
screw the gaskets.........make your own with the RIGHT STUFF
my dad works on 3800s almost everyday........what he recommends by far..
thats from my experience........
The Right Stuff Gasket Maker seals instantly to form reliable, long lasting elastomeric rubber gaskets. Outperforms pre-cut gaskets. Makes any size or shape gasket for automotive and industrial applications. Great for valve covers, oil pans, pumps, compressors, transmissions, gearbox covers, etc. Used on OEM production lines. This size can makes 8-10 average sized four cylinder valve cover gaskets. By Permatex?.
my dad works on 3800s almost everyday........what he recommends by far..
thats from my experience........
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Purgatory
I ended up using a Felpro soft rubber gasket. Installation was a breeze and 200 miles later....no leaks. If I get a few drips I'll retorque to ensure I'm still sitting at 124 inch pounds.
