Posted by Wayne [172.69.62.139] on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 06:44:07 :
I see that the oil pan topic came up recently... In my quest to stop leaks and drips from my '56 I reached out to Charles Talbert of M Series Rebuild for his suggestions on installation of the oil pan. I did this a few weeks ago. The one thing I should have done which he advised is to get a helper to get it on and started. It's a royal PITA to get the front and back strips in place when working alone. At least for me it was. Charles is probably more picky than me when it comes to leaks and drips, so 100% credit to him for this advice.
"How we install pan gaskets, the 2 end strips need to be installed on the pan, do not cut flush on the ends, however you will have to trim some excess off. Off the top of my head, I'd say no more than 3/16" (maybe slightly less) should be left above flush on all 4 ends. At the rear main cap, there should be the ends of the rubber "Y" seals protruding, the long gasket side pieces will have a notch that fits over these. Remove the end strips from the pan after fitting and cutting is completed. VERY IMPORTANT, examine the pan flanges at every bolt hole, they will usually be pulled outward as a result of bolt torqueing from the past, gently pound the protrusion back flat with a light hammer so the flange is FLAT all around. Coat both sides of all 4 pieces of gasket with aerosol copper coat, 2 coats. Let the carrier evaporate completely. If carrier is evaporated, you can handle the gasket as it will be only very lightly tacky. Install the gasket onto the pan precisely. Use copper infused silicone sealer liberally at all 4 corners. Get the pan in place making sure the gasket is aligned correctly, an extra set of hands is nice if installing from under the truck. Use 5/16" x 3/4" long bolts, WITH a split lock washer and an SAE flat washer, grade 8 hardened washer works best as it does not distort. The flat washer helps spread out the clamping pressure and eliminates the bolt from distorting the pan flange. This applies equal pressure all around. In tightening bolts, BE CAREFUL, DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. Get all bolt assemblies started and run up with your fingers. When it's time to use a socket, DO SO lightly, rotating from side to side. Keep a sharp eye on the gasket, When you see the gasket start to be pressed outward just a tiny amount, STOP. Especially watch the corners where the silicone was applied, as the slippery silicone will shot the gasket outward really easily. Once the gasket starts outward at the bolt holes, move all around in an attempt to get all bolts approx. the same. DO NOT torque any farther, gasket will be pressed outward and will split at the bolt holes. I've done it this way successfully for years. Just watch it close during the process. Final torque will be only barely enough to flatten the split in the lock washer. DON'T OVER DO IT.
Regards,
Charles Talbert
M Series Rebuild LLC "
Follow Ups: