The oil pan on my 99 is really rusty. I'm nervous that it'* going to rust through so I bought a new one. I also bought a brand new GM oil pan gasket (formed gasket with baffles in it, has a 3" diameter hole for the pump pick up). The plastic gasket assembly also has rubber embedded in it to act like a gasket (I'm assuming??).

Now...should I still use RTV even though there'* rubber embedded in the plastic gasket assembly?

For whatever reason, I have a hell of a time making things seal up and I want to get this right without having to pull the pan back down and redoing it.

Thoughts?

I used my old gasket [rubber] when I replaced my pan. It had crap on it, so I cleaned it up with some alcohol, and put on some non-hardening gasket maker. Not silicone!! That'll fix you right up. I don't have a single leak out of it. Saved me $25 too!


-justin

What was the non-hardening gasket maker that you used? RTV? If so, what color?

Gaskets can be a never ending battle for me!!

The OEM gasket should need no extra sealant. They're re-usable. Just don't use aftermarket cork gaskets.

Make sure you torque the pan to the proper values, in the proper sequence, and you'll be fine. Be careful with the oil level sensor.

Sounds like I should reuse the old one.. No problem..

About that level sensor...Does it just unscrew from the pan body? I have no intentions of breaking it, but just looking for any tips!

Well, you heard it from "da man." You don't need any sealant, and you can reuse your gasket. I say drop on a little non-hardening gasket maker.. just in case. It is a white tube and it is called "non hardening gasket maker"


-justin

The sensor is just pinched between the pan and gasket. Or is it between the block and gasket? I don't remember. You'll see when you take it apart.

umm.. By any chance does my car have that level sensor? I never saw one.


-justin

I think that started in 92 with the new DIC.

awesome! That is a big sigh of relief for me!


-justin