Applying Gasket Sealer To Oil Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Applying gasket sealer to an oil pan is a crucial step in ensuring your engine's performance and longevity. Oil pans, also known as sump pans, are responsible for holding the engine's oil, which lubricates and cools its components. Over time, the gasket between the oil pan and the engine block can deteriorate, leading to leaks and potential engine damage. Replacing this gasket and applying a new sealer is a maintenance task that car owners or mechanics may need to perform. The process involves removing the old gasket, cleaning the surfaces, applying the new gasket with an adhesive or sealant, and reattaching the oil pan securely. The type of gasket and sealer used, as well as the proper installation techniques, are essential to prevent leaks and ensure a durable seal.

How to Apply Gasket Sealer to Oil Pan

Clean the engine with a degreaser to detect oil leaks from the oil pan

To apply gasket sealer to an oil pan, it is important to first clean the engine with a degreaser to detect any oil leaks from the oil pan. This will ensure that the area is free of dirt, grease, and oil, which can interfere with the sealing process. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively clean the engine with a degreaser:

• Park your vehicle in a well-ventilated area and place a plastic drop cloth or cardboard under the engine to catch any dripping grease or grime.
• Start with a cool engine and check for existing oil leaks. Open the hood and remove any loose dirt, leaves, or debris inside the engine bay or under the windshield wipers.
• Protect all electrical parts, including the battery, alternator, distributor, and air intake system, by covering them with plastic bags and securing them with tape or twist ties.
• If you are cleaning manually, spray an engine degreaser, such as Oil Eater® All Purpose Cleaner, over the entire engine bay. Allow it to soak for about 5 minutes.
• Use a non-metallic scrub brush to scrub the engine bay and loosen any greasy buildup. Pay close attention to areas around the oil pan gasket, such as the gray metallic area around the thermostat and the passenger side of the valve cover.
• Rinse the engine bay thoroughly with a hose or a pressure washer set to a low-pressure setting. Ensure that you start rinsing from a safe distance to avoid forcing water into sensitive areas.
• Remove the plastic bags from the electrical components and dry the engine with clean towels or compressed air.
• If using a pressure washer, fill its chemical tank with an appropriate engine degreaser, such as Oil Eater® Cleaner Degreaser, diluted with water as per the manufacturer's instructions. If no instructions are provided, use a dilution ratio of 10 parts water to 1 part cleaner.
• Apply the diluted degreaser to the engine bay using a low-pressure setting or a foam cannon. Start from a distance of about 5 feet and gradually move closer as needed.
• Allow the degreaser to soak for 5 minutes, then rinse the engine bay with clean water using a high-pressure nozzle. Again, start from a safe distance to avoid damaging sensitive components.
• Dry the engine thoroughly with clean towels or compressed air.

By following these steps, you will effectively clean your engine with a degreaser, making it easier to detect any oil leaks from the oil pan and ensuring a successful gasket sealing process.

Check the oil pan for metal shavings, sludge and cracks

When working with oil pans, it is important to check the oil pan for metal shavings, sludge, and cracks. Metal shavings in the oil can cause damage to the surfaces in your engine and are usually a result of normal engine wear. These shavings can also be caused by the breakdown of bi-metal or tri-metal structures in bearings. The oil filter is meant to catch these metal flakes, but it cannot catch them all, so regularly checking and replacing the oil and oil filter is important.

Metal shavings in the oil can cause damage to engine parts and block or restrict oil passages, leading to premature engine failure. These shavings can also scratch and gouge the crankshaft journals and bearings and their components as they pass between them. They can also block or restrict oil passages, reducing oil pressure and flow to critical engine components.

Some signs of metal shavings in the oil include reduced engine power, ticking noises, rough idles, engine knocking, and white exhaust fumes. If you see any of these signs, it is important to take your car to a repair shop for further diagnosis.

In addition to metal shavings, sludge can also be a problem in oil pans. Sludge is a gel-like substance that forms when motor oil breaks down and oxidizes. It can clog oil passages and prevent the oil from flowing freely, leading to reduced lubrication and increased engine wear.

To check for sludge, you can remove the oil pan and inspect it for any signs of gel-like substance. If you find sludge, it is important to clean it out and replace the oil and oil filter.

Finally, it is also important to check the oil pan for any cracks. Cracks in the oil pan can lead to oil leaks, which can cause damage to the engine and the environment. If you find any cracks in the oil pan, it is important to replace the pan as soon as possible.

Use the correct type of adhesive for your gasket

The type of adhesive you use depends on the type of gasket you have. Gaskets are usually made from soft metals or elastomers, and some have metal coatings for strength and durability. Common materials include aluminium, copper, graphite, cork, rubber, polyurethane, and silicone.

Adhesives should only be used on "paper type" or cork/rubber type gaskets. If you have a cork gasket, you can use 3M 8001 weather stripping or contact cement. For a paper gasket, a thin layer of silicone rubber gasket sealer should work.

If you have a metal gasket, you can use a solvent-based gasket maker, such as Permatex Ultra Copper High Temp Sealant, or a soft gasket if there are any surface imperfections.

If you have a silicone gasket, you should not use any adhesive as nothing will stick to silicone.

If you are unsure about what type of gasket you have, you can consult a mechanic or a specialist retailer for advice.

Apply a thin film of RTV to the block side of the gasket and allow it to cure

Applying a gasket sealer to an oil pan requires careful attention to detail. Gaskets are essential for preventing oil leaks, and there are multiple ways to ensure a secure seal. RTV, or room temperature vulcanizing, silicone is a popular choice for sealing oil pans. It is a flexible rubber that can act as an adhesive sealant.

When using RTV to seal an oil pan, it is important to follow the correct procedure. First, ensure that the block and pan surfaces are clean and straight. Remove any old gasket material or RTV residue, being careful not to gouge the block's rail surface. Check the bolt holes and clean any sealant or corrosion with a wire brush.

Now, you can apply a thin film of RTV to the block side of the gasket. This step should be done carefully, ensuring that the RTV is applied evenly and in a thin layer. Once applied, allow the RTV to cure completely before installing the pan. The curing process typically takes 20 minutes if the environmental temperature is at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). However, it may take up to 24 hours or more, depending on the thickness of the sealant applied.

After the RTV has cured, you can proceed with installing the oil pan, following the manufacturer's instructions for torque specifications and tightening procedures. Remember to use only a small amount of RTV, as excess adhesive can get into the crankcase and cause engine damage.

Some oil pan gaskets may not require RTV and are designed to be installed dry. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific oil pan gasket to determine if RTV is necessary.

Torque the oil pan bolts to spec in a spiral pattern, beginning in the centre

Once you've applied the gasket sealer to your oil pan, it's time to torque the bolts. This is a crucial step in ensuring a secure fit and preventing leaks. Here's a detailed guide on how to torque the oil pan bolts to spec in a spiral pattern, beginning in the centre.

First, it's important to note that different engines have varying torque specifications for their oil pan bolts. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for the correct torque values and sequence. That being said, here is a general step-by-step guide:

• Begin by applying a light coat of engine oil to the undersides of the bolt heads and the threads of the oil pan bolts. Do not use Moly oil or other high-performance lubricants as they may increase torque requirements.
• Install the oil pan gasket and set the oil pan in place, ensuring that the inside of the pan is clean and free of debris.
• Insert the oil pan bolts and finger-tighten them to ensure the pan fits snugly against the bottom of the engine.
• Starting with the four corner bolts, tighten them to about 50% of their recommended torque using a torque wrench.
• Now, begin the spiral pattern. Tighten the bolts in a criss-cross or "X" pattern, moving from the centre towards the ends. Tighten these bolts to 50% of their recommended torque.
• Repeat the spiral pattern, this time tightening the bolts to 75% of their recommended torque.
• Finally, make one more pass with the torque wrench, tightening all the bolts to their full torque specification. Remember to follow the manufacturer's recommended sequence and torque values.

It's important to note that some gaskets may relax after initial tightening, so this multiple-pass procedure helps ensure even pressure all around the oil pan. Additionally, always be careful not to over-tighten the bolts as this can damage the gasket or deform the oil pan flange.

Frequently asked questions