Cannot seem to seal an oil pan

[tobyp]

Coming off a fresh rebuild here. Here is what I got and the ending result to fix. My question will it last?

Buick 350
Fresh rebuild
Oil pan gasket, tried fel pro Cork, nada.....Due to mounting surfaces for the bolts were higher that the mounting surface of the pan. So, I corrected it with some delicate pursuasion. The pan is straight and all bol hole areas are now below the seating surface of the pan. Next, Victor Reinz gasket, RE: It contains rubber and cork, is thicker and is a better gasket. There is no rubber/steel option available for the Buick 350. I applied a very small amount of gasket maker only to the areas that the pan was leaking before ( at rear sump area) and also did this due to the recess that the rear main seal piece mates to the block as well. Still, a small, very small leak. It seemed the gasket was letting the oil through the cork around this mating surface. so.....pissed off i placed a small amount of gasket maker on the side of the pan, let it set up for a moment, and wiped the area dry. No leaks..I applied a little more, kind of like what we do when we caulk a bathtub to this area, which is about 1 to 2 inches. No leaks. Do you believe that it will stay dry?

Only thing left to do is spluge a crap load of gasket maker and try it as well. I'd rather stick with a gasket if all possible. WHat a PIA.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

Where exactly is/was it leaking? Is it near the rear main?

 

[67rstbkt]

Have you checked BOP engineering for a better gasket?

 

[tobyp]

Where exactly is/was it leaking? Is it near the rear main?

It is leaking in the little crack where the rear main seal "holder" mates to the block, i believe.

Either that or it is leaking ever so lightly through the gasket and making it appear that the "crack" is filling up.

 

[tobyp]

Have you checked BOP engineering for a better gasket?

THey have for Buick 400, that is it.

Even Mike at TA said the Victor should work.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

Did you use a small dab of RTV there on both ends? If it's where I'm thinking that's a common practice on most engines with two piece rear mains. I'm not well versed in Buicks so my logic might not be 100% accurate.

 

[Longroof79]

I think adding a light smear of RTV silicone, helps..as you found out. I've done that, and have had no problem with leaks in those areas.
Felpro and Reinz are both excellent gasket makers.

 

[tobyp]

Where exactly is/was it leaking? Is it near the rear main?

Here attached is the block before any work but it will show you where the leak seems to be appearing.

 

[tobyp]

Did you use a small dab of RTV there on both ends? If it's where I'm thinking that's a common practice on most engines with two piece rear mains. I'm not well versed in Buicks so my logic might not be 100% accurate.

Yea,

I used a dab, obviously not enough. WIth these new buick neopreme seals TA is selling you need to be careful not to pull and cut or leave too much excess neopreme seal exposed, if so they will leak a bit. I believe as in my case.

You live and learn on these projects you know.

Forums are great for knowledge base opinions.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I wish I could be more help. You might want to try over a V8buick.com
I'm sure those guys have probably dealt with this before.