Could someone please link me to a thread that gives detailed instructions on installing a small block chevy oil pan, using a one piece gasket? I have installed pans before using the old style cork gaskets with front and rear seals, but thought the one piece may be different as far as installation goes.

Thanks

Keizer

Not really, it's pretty easy. You still want to put 4 little dabs on RTV in the "4 corners" as usual and then the gasket and then the pan on top of it.

Use the bolts that come with the gasket- they're slightly longer than stock becuase the gasket is slightly thicker than stock.

It is helpful to smear some oil on the "half moon" parts of the pan before you drop it on. The pan won't want to drop all the way home bacuase it is basically sliding against and compressing the rubber gasket the last 1/2" or so before it's all the way down. Putting a little oil on there helps to keep the pan from "grabbing" the gasket and helps let it slide that last 1/2" more easily.

Tighten the bolts until they stop- the gasket has little plastic o-rings built into it to prevent over-tightening.

Thanks for the tips!

Keizer

I just installed one recently and it was a very tight fit. I wasn't paying attention when I tightened the bolts and the gasket bent the lip on the timing chain cover. No leaks on the oil pan but now I have to go back and replace the timing cover, it has a small leak in the corner. So just make sure that the timing cover is lined up and slowly tighten the bolts. I wish had read Damons post before I installed it, smearing a little oil would have made it a little easier, but I was too anxious to think strait that day.

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1998 Camaro - Daily Driver

1980 Z28 - Much assembly required!

Woops, I misread your post.

So I only need a blob of RTV in the four corners on the block side, and nothing on the four corners on the pan side? And then no other sealer anywhere else ?

Keizer

I just got the one piece oil pan gasket from Summit today. The instructions say to install the gasket "dry".

So why are people adding a blob of RTV in the corners? Do these one piece gaskets leak if you don't do this, or is it old school paranoia bleeding into the new technology?

Thanks

Keizer

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Keizer:
I just got the one piece oil pan gasket from Summit today. The instructions say to install the gasket "dry".

So why are people adding a blob of RTV in the corners? Do these one piece gaskets leak if you don't do this, or is it old school paranoia bleeding into the new technology?

Thanks

Keizer</font>

Most of the reason is that while a single piece pan gasket is wonderful, they can still leak at the corners where the pan, front cover, and block meet. My Gen VI big block has a one piece pan seal, but I used some "The Right Stuff" sealer on the corners to be absolutely sure nothing was going to leak.

I have installed four of these already and swear by them. The first one I installed dry and is still not leaking after 3 years. The other ones I put a dab of silicone in the corners just like Damon said and those haven't leaked a drop.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by 73454:
Most of the reason is that while a single piece pan gasket is wonderful, they can still leak at the corners where the pan, front cover, and block meet. My Gen VI big block has a one piece pan seal, but I used some "The Right Stuff" sealer on the corners to be absolutely sure nothing was going to leak.</font>

Ok, so do I use a blob of RTV in the corners on both the block side, and the pan side of the gasket?

Is the high temp black RTV adequate for this job?

Thanks again

Keizer

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Keizer:
Ok, so do I use a blob of RTV in the corners on both the block side, and the pan side of the gasket?

Is the high temp black RTV adequate for this job?

Thanks again

Keizer

</font>

I'd use "The Right Stuff" if you are dealing with a 1 piece. It will hang on to the gasket very well. On the oil pan side you don't need to use anything because the gasket will be completely sealed up to the block and it makes a decent connection to the pan all the way around. I did the same thing with my 400. Now is $17 worth it for the tube of "The Right Stuff" not to have a leak? I'd say so if you have to go back and jack up and engine and do it all over again.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by 73454:
I'd use "The Right Stuff" if you are dealing with a 1 piece. It will hang on to the gasket very well. On the oil pan side you don't need to use anything because the gasket will be completely sealed up to the block and it makes a decent connection to the pan all the way around. I did the same thing with my 400. Now is $17 worth it for the tube of "The Right Stuff" not to have a leak? I'd say so if you have to go back and jack up and engine and do it all over again.</font>


Thanks for the reply. I will get a can of the right stuff. I am going to be installing my aluminum intake as well, so it will serve double duty for the front and rear on the intake.

By the way, the engine is out of my Camaro, so this should all be pretty easy to install. Just don't want to do it again after the engine is back in!


Keizer

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Keizer:
I am going to be installing my aluminum intake as well, so it will serve double duty for the front and rear on the intake.</font>

That's the other place I use the stuff. I like to glue valve cover gaskets on with it too. That stuff isn't coming off for anyone. I look at it this way: how often do you have to change a set of gaskets anyway? Why not make sure they don't leak? I've got a set of cork gaskets on my 350 in my truck that I put on there almost 4 years ago, and they look like the day I put them on. No leaks.

Ok, got the one piece pan gasket installed. I can't believe they did not come out with these long ago.

I am not sure about all one piece pan gaskets, but the Felpro that I bought had steel compression control rings. It is impossible to over tighten the pan bolts.

Thanks again for all the help!

Keizer