[Gearhead forever]

Uh-oh...I installed new gaskets by following the manual's instructions. It said to apply RTV silicone to the pan & covers surface and then apply the gaskets. It didn't mention applying silicone to the surfaces that meet the engine block and cylinder head surface...so I didn't.
As I was throwing out the old oil pan gasket, I noticed that the seal had silicone on both sides of the mating surfaces. The oil pan seal is a 1 piece silicone seal that had multiple ridges on the side that mated to the block so I thought that it didn't require any sealant. ??

Should I have??

Thanks in advance

[64gto]

Originally Posted by Gearhead forever

Uh-oh...I installed new gaskets by following the manual's instructions. It said to apply RTV silicone to the pan & covers surface and then apply the gaskets. It didn't mention applying silicone to the surfaces that meet the engine block and cylinder head surface...so I didn't.
As I was throwing out the old oil pan gasket, I noticed that the seal had silicone on both sides of the mating surfaces. The oil pan seal is a 1 piece silicone seal that had multiple ridges on the side that mated to the block so I thought that it didn't require any sealant. ??

Should I have??

Thanks in advance

Yes you thought right. I am a firm believer that most gaskets are designed to be installed dry as possible. I have had thousands of gskt experiments and I have found that silicone creates a slick surface allowing the gskt not to adhere to its mating surface. When installing a gasket, unless the surface is pitted or un even, a dry gsket should seal, also take into account that some tight corners may be more difficult to seal such as where cyl heads or intake corners meet. I hope this info has helped!

[Jsup]

I don't use silicone unless absolutely necessary. Unless you have a leaking problem due to some inconsistencies in the mating surface, don't bother.

If you got the Felpro gaskets with the metal core surrounded by rubber or cork, you should not need any silicone.

[poncho62]

On oil pan gaskets, I have always used that brown gasket sealer. Comes in a little tin with a built in brush. A light coat on each metal surface, a dab of silicone in each corner of the pan......never had a leak.

[Gearhead forever]

Thanks guys.

Hey Ponch, how's the new place treating you? I didnt get up there fishing this year...shame, great area.

[poncho62]

Originally Posted by Gearhead forever

Thanks guys.

Hey Ponch, how's the new place treating you? I didnt get up there fishing this year...shame, great area.

Very good, but the pay sucks...........looking to find a part time job....LOL