Currently trying to get my
oil pan to seal up with no leaks since my last attempt was a failure . Did some looking at the failure and several things stuck out . The leaks ( two ) were just behind the rear main bearing cap on each side just behind the main bearing cap bolt holes . Looking at the gasket , it had witness marks where it went over the rear main cap bolts , same with the drain back holes ..... the RTV had done a poor job of stopping this seepage .
Talked to Fel-Pro tech and , according to them , the gasket we use ( 1817 ) is intended to be used with either no or minimal RTV .... just enough to hold it in place while the pan is installed . RTV where the rear main cap parting line etc is ok .
FWIW ..... Fel-Pro part # OS 11701D is the same as Fel-Pro 1817 , the difference is the OS 1170D has
oil pump and pickup gaskets ... and was available at local parts house for about $5 less than the 1817 .
New plan ... cut out the back of the gasket to open up the drain back holes , cut out where the rear ,main cap bolts are and install with the gray RTV where the timing cover meets the block and also on the parting lines in the rear ... and just a very thin , even covering on the gasket .
Their tech guy specifically said don`t use a 1/8" bead of RTV on both sides of the gasket .... it changes how the gasket seals when you torque it down .
Any thoughts on this approach ? Maybe Brent/Barry etc will chime in .
Techs don`t build engines , you guys do .