Stupid Pan Gasket Question

[ward00]

In view of the pan gasket having a tendency to seep-leak over time, why is it we continue to use it.

I have never been able to understand why most modern cars can be made to have no bottom leaks and ours always have a leaks coming out of every possible location.

At least with respect to the pan, is there a reason why judicious use of a liquid gasket material cant be used is lieu of the rubber gasket?

Anyone had luck with such an approach?

[grrrdot]

I think your looking for the right stuff:
https://www.permatex.com/product-catego ... et-makers/

I have been using it and WOW, this stuff blows RTV away, I have yet to see it leak. If there are not large gaps I tend to use this without a gasket. Only problem is it sticks like glue so be ready for a fight if you need to remove the part.

-G

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I've never been able to keep my Fiats "oil-leak-free", but then again, it appears most of the leaks are coming from threaded studs that go into places where there is oil (and thus slowly weep oil), oil pressure sensors that aren't screwed down tightly, oil seals that leak, etc. In other words, gaskets may not be the problem. I've kinda just accepted it and put a large oil drip pan under the engine and transmission.

But, if anyone knows how to make these DOHC engines oil-leak free, I'd love to hear it.

-Bryan

[ward00]

For oil pan screws, has anyone used teflon tape or paste sealant?

[wetminkey]

Clean both surfaces well. Regular gasket and Permatex Ultra Black. Do not over-torque fasteners. You'll not have any leaks.
Enjoy being leak-free,...
Todd.

[ward00]

I guess part of my question was why use a gasket that almost certainly will seep/leak when it can be replaced by liquid gasket material, which if it leaks, at least I'll know why.

[wetminkey]

Mine has not leaked in almost twenty years.
Do you see this list of vehicles in my "signature"? They have similar oil pan sealing techniques,...I own all of them right now. All start/run right now. None leak.

[DieselSpider]

Usually its a shaft seal, oil pressure sensor diaphragm, fuel pump diaphragm, fitting, etc that leaks and very rarely the pan gasket itself. Most times pan gasket leaks can be tracked down to over-tightening the pan bolts, not tightening them evenly and warping the pan or not preparing the mating surfaces properly before installing the pan.

Problems that arise from using just a thick sealant are that you must apply it fairly evenly just past the thickness of a gasket, allow the sealant to set up enough to not push completely out, evenly install the pan bolts without squishing out the sealant allowing it time to set up forming a gasket of even thickness waiting 12 to 24 hours before tightening the pan bolts to specification. If you tighten it too soon the excess squish of material can break off and clog your oil pump pickup ruining the engine.

You'll get more consistent and safer results using a pan gasket.

I thought my pan gasket was leaking however when I pressure tested using about 3 psi of air pressure and a spritz of soapy water the soap bubbles formed where the dip stick was pressed in and not anywhere around the pan gasket itself.