Quick Gasket Survey

[athawk11]

Wanted to see what you fellas have found to be the most effective way to install a leak free oil pan?

I have a Fel-Pro gasket. �I have clean surfaces and a straight pan that isn't puckered from overtightening. �I know to tighten from the middle, work from side to side while moving to the ends of the pan. �I know to avoid overtightening.

I've got Permatex 2, Right Stuff Grey, and RTV Blue. Clearly, I can go get something else if recommended.

Coat both Sides?
Coat only one side? Which side?
Skip the gasket and use straight gasket maker? �Which type?
Sealant on the threads?

The last time �(a year ago) �I used RTV blue on both sides with an off brand gasket. �Passenger side stayed bone dry. �Driver side- bolt head seepage. �I found this odd. �Would the crank tend to throw more oil toward the driver side?

Your successes and failures would be greatly appreciated.

Tim �

[Macgraham]

I went to the GM parts dept. on the suggestion of the machine shop where I deal. It is called engine sealant 1#12378521. It comes in a short calking gun tube. The shop uses it on all their rebuilds and they do a lot of marine and hot rod stuff which really need to stay clean. I coat all surfaces that are gonna touch. It did well on my Jeep.

[Comanche_County]

That engine sealant sounds pretty good. �But I've always used "Formula P". �The P stands for Plenty. �On an oil pan, I coat both surfaces with lots of RTV, block and pan and sandwich the gasket, then tighten the pan from the inside out pattern like when you torque down a head. �Take it to about 50% of torque on the first go around, the slowly keep torquing the bolts until I get plenty of RTV squeezing out, then wipe away the excess and let it cure for 24 hours before starting it up. �Just don't torque it tight enough to pinch the gasket around the oil pan bolts or it could leak. �

Then recheck and hand tighten if needed after a few weeks.

[garage gnome]

I used white pipe dope on my bolt threads and haven't had any leakage. I sprayed me victor renz head gasket with copper spray on both sides when I did my supersonic swap. Granted I didn't put many miles on it yet.

[Gunslinger]

I'm pretty fond of RTV Blue, I put it on the oil pan side, circle the bolt holes to prevent weepage and leave the cork gasket in the box.  Use CC Formula P "Plenty" and it will fill the small dents and problem areas.  I've used this on several tractor rebuilds as well as the Willys and its about as close to flawless as you can get.