Oil-Covered Valley Pans: The Reason Behind The 440 Treatment

The valley pan on a 440 engine can be prone to oil leaks. This can be due to a variety of factors, including improper mating surfaces, vacuum leaks, and inadequate sealing. While some mechanics recommend using gaskets to address these issues, others suggest that proper machine work and the use of RTV silicone or other sealants can be effective in preventing leaks. In some cases, oil leaks in the valley pan may be caused by issues with other engine components, such as the intake manifold or valve covers.

Oil leaks from the valley pan

One possible cause of a valley pan oil leak is a faulty gasket. The valley pan gasket can deteriorate over time due to heat and oil exposure, leading to leaks. In some cases, the gasket may not have been properly installed or may have been damaged during installation. Checking the condition of the gasket and ensuring it is correctly seated can help determine if it is the source of the leak. It is recommended to replace the valley pan gasket with a new one if it is damaged or worn out. Some vehicle owners also choose to add a dab of RTV silicone to the corners of the gasket for extra sealing.

Another potential cause of oil leaks from the valley pan is a loose bolt or clamp. The valley pan is secured in place by bolts and clamps, and if these are not tightened properly, it can lead to leaks. Inspecting the bolts and clamps to ensure they are securely fastened is important. Additionally, the rubber gasket that sits on the valley lip can sometimes be omitted or become loose, leading to oil escaping.

It is worth noting that the valley pan itself may not always be the culprit. Oil leaks can occur from various parts of an engine, and it is important to thoroughly inspect the entire system to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. Consulting a mechanic or a forum specific to the vehicle's make and model can provide additional insights and guidance on addressing valley pan oil leaks.

To address an oil leak from the valley pan, it is often necessary to remove the intake manifold and turbo to access the pan. This can be a complex process, and it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or an experienced DIY enthusiast if one does not have the necessary skills or tools. By identifying the cause of the leak and taking the appropriate repair or replacement actions, the issue of oil leaking from the valley pan can be effectively resolved.

Gaskets for the valley pan

When installing a valley pan gasket, it is recommended to use the OEM type valley pan gasket. This type of gasket is made of metal and serves as both a pan to keep oil off the intake and a gasket. It is important to ensure that the gasket is properly sealed to prevent leaks. This can be done by using a sealant or adhesive, such as RTV, Permatex, or gasket adhesive, on the ends of the gasket and in the corners. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a paper gasket in addition to the metal valley pan gasket, especially if the intake has been shaved or milled. It is also recommended to check the alignment of the ports and bolt holes before installing the gasket to ensure a proper fit.

When purchasing a valley pan gasket, it is important to ensure that you are getting the correct gasket for your specific engine. Some popular brands that offer valley pan gaskets include Fel-Pro, Mahle Original, and ACDelco. These gaskets are typically made of metal, rubber, or paper and are designed to fit specific makes and models of vehicles. It is always a good idea to consult a professional or a repair manual if you are unsure about the installation process or the correct gasket for your vehicle.

RTV or gasket for sealing

The valley pan on a 440 engine can be sealed using a gasket or RTV. The original factory metal shim used no sealant, but some mechanics recommend adding a small amount of RTV to the corners or stepped casting areas to ensure a leak-free assembly. This is especially true if there is any rust present that has resulted in pitting of the sealing surface.

RTV, or Room Temperature Vulcanizing, is a type of silicone sealant that can be used to seal valve covers, oil pans, timing covers, and other engine components. It is applied as a thin bead to the parts, which can then be assembled and sealed in one step. RTV is favoured by engineers because, unlike cork or rubber gaskets, it does not harden and become brittle with age. However, it requires both surfaces to be clean, dry, and oil-free to seal properly.

Gaskets are the other option for sealing the valley pan on a 440. Gaskets can be made from paper, cork, or rubber and are designed to have a certain amount of compression applied to them. When using a gasket, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and ensure that the surfaces are clean and dry before installation.

Some mechanics prefer RTV because it eliminates the need to stock a variety of different gaskets. Others prefer gaskets because they are quick and easy to install, with no wait time for the sealant to cure. Additionally, RTV can be difficult to remove if it is not applied properly, and there is a risk of excess sealer seeping out and ending up in places where it does not belong. Gaskets, on the other hand, can be more forgiving if the surfaces are not perfectly clean or if there are minor imperfections in the mating surfaces.

In summary, both RTV and gaskets can be effective for sealing the valley pan on a 440. RTV provides a strong, flexible, and durable seal, but it requires careful application and can be difficult to remove. Gaskets are easier to work with and can accommodate minor surface imperfections, but they may not provide as strong a seal as RTV. Ultimately, the decision between RTV and gaskets may come down to personal preference, the condition of the mating surfaces, and the specific requirements of the application.

Oil consumption and leaks

Oil leaks are a common issue with valley pans, and there can be several causes. One of the most common causes is a faulty gasket, which can lead to oil seepage or even puddling. This is often due to warping of the head gasket or improper installation, such as over-tightening of bolts. In some cases, the use of paper gaskets or extra sealant may be recommended to address this issue. However, others suggest that proper mating of the intake and heads should eliminate the need for gaskets, and that thick gaskets can lead to "umbrella-edging", where the cover torques down tighter at bolt holes and raises between bolts.

Another potential cause of oil leaks is a faulty valley pan. In some cases, the pan may crack due to excessive crankcase pressure if the breathers are not properly opened. Additionally, oil leaks can occur if the bolts on the intake manifold are not properly sealed with Permatex No. 2 or a similar product.

To address oil leaks, it is often necessary to remove the intake manifold and inspect the valley pan and gaskets for any signs of damage or improper installation. It may also be necessary to measure the gap between the intake and the heads to determine if gaskets are required and to ensure proper mating. In some cases, it may be sufficient to simply clean and reseal the valley pan and surrounding components without the need for gasket replacement.

Oil consumption can also be a factor in valley pan leaks. In some cases, oil consumption may be due to burning or leaks from other components, such as the rear main seal or the oil sender. It is important to inspect these components and address any leaks to prevent excessive oil loss and potential damage to the engine.

Oil pressure and inlet size

Oil pressure is determined by the resistance the oil faces when flowing through the oil passages of the engine. The ideal oil pressure varies depending on the car brand and model, but generally, the ideal oil pressure is between 25-65 PSI. In a typical (stock) passenger car engine, the oil pressure is usually between 30 and 40 psi. However, most high-performance or race engines require 50-60 psi or more for proper lubrication. There’s an old racing rule of thumb that still applies here: Approximately 10 psi of oil pressure is needed for every 1,000 rpm. As a result, a 7,500 rpm engine will mandate approximately 75 psi of oil pressure.

Oil pressure is directly related to the amount of flow passing through the bearing clearances. Bearing clearances have the greatest effect on oil pressure. The oil pressure generated in most engines should be about 10 psi per every 1000 revolutions per minute (rpm), peaking around 55-65 psi. Local pressure (at the crankshaft journal and bearing) is far higher than the 50, 60 psi &c. set by the pump's relief valve, and will reach hundreds of psi.

The oil pump is an internal combustion engine part that circulates engine oil under pressure to the rotating bearings, the sliding pistons, and the camshaft of the engine. The type of pump used varies. Gear pumps, trochoid pumps, and vane pumps are all commonly used. Plunger pumps have been used in the past, but these are now only used rarely, for small engines.

The oiling system addresses the need to properly lubricate an engine when it's running. Properly lubricating an engine not only reduces friction between moving parts but is also the main method by which heat is removed from pistons, bearings, and shafts. Failing to properly lubricate an engine will result in engine failure. The oil pump forces the motor oil through the passages in the engine to properly distribute oil to different engine components. In a common oiling system, oil is drawn out of the oil sump (oil pan, in US English) through a wire mesh strainer that removes some of the larger pieces of debris from the oil. The flow made by the oil pump allows the oil to be distributed around the engine. In this system, oil flows through an oil filter and sometimes an oil cooler, before going through the engine's oil passages and being dispersed to lubricate pistons, rings, springs, valve stems, and more.

Frequently asked questions