Oil Leaks, gaskets or goop?

Try contact cement when installing the pan gasket and misc pieces. You can work them around with the eraser end of a pencil. No leaks on my iron...

I have used this trick in industrial applications with some measure of success. DON'T follow the instructions on the glue can. Apply and get everything together, aligned and tightened while the cement is still wet. If you follow the directions and let the cement dry before touching the gasket to metal it will stick and you won't be able to move it.

- Regards Gordie

Correct, I neglected to mention that..

GM used a lot of blue RTV to glue together some of their previous mistakes. It works. Don't go by the instructions if you are going to use this. Put it on, tighten it down, and let it cure for several hours (overnight, 24 hours, whatever you can tolerate).

A lot of any RTV is not a good thing, especially in places where an excess can separate from it's point of application and find it's way into the oil pan, then to the oil pump, etc...

for pan and valve covers i use type b gasket maker , i get in in caulking size tube from chevy dealer as gm is only place i can find it.it bonds and dries like hard rubber... surfaces must be clean,and wipe down with some laquer thinner. put a bead on and tighten bolts gentlty just till it starts to oozz out and let dry overnight. be sure to clean the bolts in some laquer thinner. i find engines dont leak doing this.but its permanent and if you have to take it apart at some time, you will have to reseal it again.... lucas

Thanks to all that replied to the post.

Sounds like the popular choice is

1. Use appropriate gaskets whenever possible
2. Use contact cement to hold/seal gasket surfaces
3. Use RTV, sparingly, where needed

Cheers, Charlie

Charlie wrote: