Well pretty sure my 3.8 is leaking oil from every possible seal/gasket. I'm hoping to get some tips and suggestions on gasket brands (namely Felpro/Delco) and any other parts I should consider replacing while I'm in there or tools to make said job easier. From what I can tell, my valve cover gaskets are leaking for sure (rear mostly), and possibly pan gasket, my coolant has pretty good amount of sludge so LIM or head gasket as well. Have some blow-by but thats for another day. Cant really confirm the oil pan leak but I plan to change all motor/trans mounts to poly pieces anyway, so I figure opportune time since its a PITA. I also need a water pump since it too has a bit of play. Then I figured I should probably do the timing cover gasket, main seal (SKF), as well as timing set. Car has 165K so oil pump as well.. Cant decide on gear set, dont know if I dare chance Ultra power lol. Dont know the difference between the solid cam sprockets vs machined (holes), is holes=cast solid=steal? Typically I go comp or cloyes. Im trying to make my dollar count but not sacrifice quality.
My questions..
1) Do I even consider Felpro? I've used felpro on other projects w/o issue but when its GM I usually favor Delco unless its a non revised/improved part. Is there any other brands to consider (zzp,victor)?
2) What else am I gonna need or should I consider/inspect? Injector seals etc
3) I read that people use RTV on the pan gasket, is this really necessary, is the gasket reusable w/o rtv, do you let it set up a bit b4 tightening? Other then the corners of the LIM rails where else might I need RTV? Should I use ultra grey?
4) Does my intake and/or block have locating holes for rail gasket?
5) Should I have my cooling system flushed? (fear plugged htr core, reverse flush but still)
Parts list
Valve cover
ACDELCO 24503937 $18.68
FEL-PRO VS50465R $18.30
UIM
FEL-PRO MS95744 $7.97
LIM
ACDELCO 89017825 $44.99
FEL-PRO MS98014T $50.79
Timing cover
FEL-PRO TCS45971 $5.81 (incl main, water/oil pump, misc o rings)
ACDELCO 12587003 $9.08 (cover gasket only)
Main seal
SKF 19387 $18.00 (chicago rawhide)
Timing set
ULTRA-POWER C3214 $26.79
DNJ ENGINE COMPONENTS TK3182 $42.79 (inc damper/tensioner)
SEALED POWER KT3381SA2 $70.99
CLOYES C3215 $81.79
MAHLE / CLEVITE 93215 $96.79
Tensioner ACDELCO 24503893 $19.90
Oil pump kit
SEALED POWER 22453572 $33.89
DNJ OPK3143 $38.89
Pan gasket
FEL-PRO OS30767R $31.79
ACDELCO 12587964 $63.79
Water pump
ACDELCO 252693 $24.79 (aftermarket design)
ACDELCO 251718 $87.89
