johnr9q@yahoo.com
Senior Member
What should I get a Paper or Cork Pan Gasket?
Either will work. I use cork coated with Hylomar non-hardening silicone on both sides. Snug the bolts only enough to make contact with both surfaces (block and pan) - maybe 10-15 ft-lb max. You likely will NOT be able to flatten the lock washer with that torque, don’t worry about it. Check after running (the gasket will gradually compress uniformly) and re-snug if necessary.What should I get a Paper or Cork Pan Gasket?
I go with the cork. Sometimes there is a problem making the rear main cork half circle seal seat properly with the flat gasket square extension. I have done both on this - trim the square on the cork gasket, or cut the square rear main gasket "short" to "butt up against" the flat pan gasket.
Permatex No. 2 is my friend.
Joe K
My engine builder (Ron Kelley, RIP) did not use a gasket, he just used a layer of Permatex.
You need to let it fully cure before running, and spread only the minimum required. Any bits of RTV squish-out that flake off may enter an oil passage and block it.I was actually thinking about this before…
Is there any downside to doing it like this?
I did not realize that 3 of the front 4 bolts go all the way through. Thank you for the tip.
You can do both. Use the cork gasket with Loctite 5926 on the oil pan side and Hylomar M, or better H, on the block side.
Cork is allowed to "seed" a little; the pores will fill with oil. This maintains its elasticity and allows the cork to swell slightly.
The front sealant bead and the rear gasket are separate issues. I'm still working on the latter.