oil pan torque

German guy

German guy

Senior Member
Is there a recommended torque for the oil pan bolts. I will be pulling and cleaning out the pan, and adding a filter as soon as my barn is warm enough that my fingers will not freeze.



Also...I keep reading posts for and against using silicon sealer. When I added a 6.1:1 head I began seeing a bit of oil mist coating the underside of the pan...possibly the result of 'blow-by' forcing oil out of the seal...but over 350 KM of driving and the oil looks brand new with no noticeable loss....so not sure. My predecessor used silicon sealer instead of a proper gasket so it is possible that when I re-install the pan with the right gasket the mist will disappear. Opinions?
 
First, the pan flange must be straight. Lay the pan on a flat surface to check. Correct any parts that are not flat. The pan and the block must be clean and free of any grease. Acetone works well for the final wipe.

The silicone gasket cement will eliminate leaks but a gasket is still needed. Use a thin smear of the cement on both sides of the gaskets. Tighten the bolts to the point where the gasket is fully in contact but do not fully tighten. Wait 24 hours for the silicone to cure then tighten the bolts. It is not necessary to use a torque wrench. The bolts should be tight but not to the point where the gasket or pan is deforming, especially when using a cork gasket.

If too much silicone gasket cement is used globs of it can come loose inside the engine and possibly cause problems.

Your mist can be coming from the front seal. They wear out over time.
 
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Hi,


I'm using the relatively thick cork gasket for the oil pan. I'm using Permatex 81724 on the pan and Hylomar H on the block side.
Only a low tightening torque of 0.8 m/kp, then retighten at the following day at 1 m/kp.
 
Werner said:
Hi,


I'm using the relatively thick cork gasket for the oil pan. I'm using Permatex 81724 on the pan and Hylomar H on the block side.
Only a low tightening torque of 0.8 m/kp, then retighten at the following day at 1 m/kp.
Click to expand...


oh yeah, Werner, now you really frightened the americans off...


are you sure about those values? 0.8m/kp roughly equal to 80Nm or 60ftlb...


i think they are factor 10 too high...
 
Some body here can convert this if needed.

1. Torque on valve covers SBC V8s and Model As I always used 5 to 7 foot pounds. Any more than that and gaskets gets smashed.
 
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I use a 1/4" ratchet and just snug the bolts up firmly. The small size of the 1/4" drive keeps you from getting the bolts too tight.
 
If my ancient mind is still bubbling (88+), early pans had no metal strengthening pieces to help against smearing/smoshing) mounting bolt holes
Clem
 
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