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)??

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!

OEM soft rubber gasket ONLY. NO RTV or Cork.

Thanks Will. That was the clear, concise answer I was looking for! I'm going at the 93 this weekend...

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........

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.

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.

looked into that stuff just never used it though

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.

On a similar note...

I need to replace the valve cover gaskets on my 99, does the same hold true here as well as on the oil pan? No RTV and get a rubber gasket set?