Pan gasket

[mwizard]

Looks like I need a new pan gasket, oil leaking in several places. I have not investigated it yet, but if I take off the skid pan will I be able to get at and remove the pan or at least replace the gasket? Has anyone cut their skid plate to take off just the part under the motor?
Mark

[Barry Ott]

My car has a small access panel under the pan, so I suppose it's feasible to cut up the belly pan to get access. But, honestly, I wouldn't want to compromise the stiffness of the chassis by cutting that big a piece out. I don't know how much it would impact stiffness but considering the alternative is just a bit more time to split the car and get to it, I'd opt for that. Cutting the belly pan seems like a "permanent solution to a temporary problem" YMMV.

One other comment, I had a pan leak on my Kent that was caused by inadequate ventilation, so you might want to confirm your vent is working well so you don't end up with another leak after you fix it. Hope that helps.....

Barry

[Steve Demeter]

Trying to put a pan gasket on while under the car is a recipe for getting one of the pieces messed up.

Split the car, put the engine on a stand and do it right so you only have to fix it once.

Also, just in case check that the pan bolts are tight before taking everything apart. Had the gasket leaking one time and found that was the cause.

[dereklola]

Do people still use pan gaskets? I thought "goo" was the preferred method these days. Always willing to learn. Derek

[mwizard]

Trying to put a pan gasket on while under the car is a recipe for getting one of the pieces messed up.

Split the car, put the engine on a stand and do it right so you only have to fix it once.

Also, just in case check that the pan bolts are tight before taking everything apart. Had the gasket leaking one time and found that was the cause.

I have tightened the pan bolts several times and it still leaks. My co driver and mechanic thinks the bolts can be tightened too much and dimple the pan plus push out the gasket. Hate to pull the motor in the middle of the season.
Mark

[DanW]

Hello Mark,

As previously posted, check for crankcase ventilation restriction.

Clean up the oil and pressure test your crankcase to see where the engine is leaking.

Put 1PSIG (no more!) air supply pressure on the dry sump system into the vent. Use a spray bottle with soapy water to see where the oil is coming from via the bubbles.

Clean the area with a good solvent like MAF air sensor cleaner. (hexane) It needs to be clean with no residue.

Apply Permatex "the right stuff" over the leaking area, work it in and let it cure.

Good luck.