Thread: Oil Pan Gasket

To those that have replaced the oil pan gasket. Would you recommend installing the new gasket with black RTV on both sides to prevent future leaks? I have my trans and cradle removed and I figured this would be the perfect time to replace it.

Yes you pretty much have to do it with RTV to insure a leak free installment.

Its not that you will do a bad job, its that our gaskets suck.

GM used to install them dry from the factory, but with as many came back to the dealers leaking, they posted a service bulletin stating that when they are replaced they must use RTV on them, both sides when reinstalled. Once GM figured out their goof, I seriously doubt they fixed the rest of the W-Bodys pan gaskets before they left the plant. They probably saw dollar signs when each one left the plant for their dealership to fix this f-up.

I have installed the dry in the past on a brand new engine build from scratch, and they never leaked. but from now on, they get RTV regardless, cause changing the pan gasket once the engine is installed is not a whole lot of fun but it is easy money if you have the tools and equipment. Dealerships charge close to $500.00 to do this, and its like $40.00 in parts and the rest is in labor.

My prices are much less than that, and with all the w-bodys out there, fixing these right for friends and family and friends of the family insures that there is always work to be done out there for me.

~F~

Originally Posted by GR8racingfool

GM used to install them dry from the factory, but with as many came back to the dealers leaking, they posted a service bulletin stating that when they are replaced they must use RTV on them, both sides when reinstalled. Once GM figured out their goof, I seriously doubt they fixed the rest of the W-Bodys pan gaskets before they left the plant. They probably saw dollar signs when each one left the plant for their dealership to fix this f-up.
~F~

That would explain, then, why there is RTV on my oil pan gasket. It looked like a factory type sealant but I could not figure out why it was there and was thinking perhaps the gasket had been replaced at some time and that may be the case as well I suppose. I was kinda concerned about that, but I guess now I know the reason.

Cool, glad I could teach ya something.

The GF's 1997 GTP has RTV on her pan gasket as well. My 1999 motor that was bought as a new take out with 7 miles on it did not. My current orignal 1997 motor thats back in that was built by me does. So at one point I am guessing the previous owner of her car had this service done and it was not correct from GM.

And I will have to do her cars pan gasket yet again cause it seeping again.

~F~

You'd think they would have corrected something like that by now.

Come on, you should know by now this is GM were talking about.

LOL

maybe if this was causing a fire perhaps they might take action...but doubtful because of how labor intensive it would be for each car. So guess they will either take poor unsuspecting customers money when they come to the dealership with the problem or wait for the car to catch fire and burn down and hope no investigation is ever filed and they get out of the work entirely. LOL


~F~

Pretty sure mine has the black RTV and its never been changed. 2004 YM.

Well 1997-2003 body style anyway. Maybe in 2004 they got their stuff together and stared doing it then as a precaution.

~F~

glad i stumbled apon this USE RTV check haha thanks guys