Oil pan gasket replacement

[Mike H]

91 535 . . . I've got the pan off no problem, I just a couple of questions on reinstallation.

My instruction manual calls for the use of a product called Three Bond 1207 at the timing cover joints. I'm not familiar with this product. It is described as a silicone-based liquid gasket material. Can I substitute another silicone type product such as Permatex's Red Gasket Maker?

Also, is there any issue using gasket dressing on my cork gasket to hold it in place on reinstallation?

[632 Regal]

but dont use a silicone based gasket sealer to hold the gasket in place, use something like permatex spray gasket stuff to hold it up there. The silicone stuff will cause leaks after a while by seperating from the cork or causing the gasket to slip out of position.

[Mike H]

Thanks Jeff!

but dont use a silicone based gasket sealer to hold the gasket in place, use something like permatex spray gasket stuff to hold it up there. The silicone stuff will cause leaks after a while by seperating from the cork or causing the gasket to slip out of position.

[Bill R.]

make sure that it says sensor safe on it. The red comes both ways sensor safe and not sensor safe. The not sensor safe will kill your Oxygen sensor. And yes even if you use it on the timing cover, the crankcase ventilation system sucks the vapors from it into the manifold where it goes through the cylinders and out to the o2 sensor....

Thanks Jeff!

[632 Regal]

I though sensor safe meant that it doesnt affect the continuity or thermal conductivity, never hear of fumes killing an O2 sensor.

never saw gray stuff.

[Hector]

using the sensor safe ultra black OEM Hi-Temp RTV silicone would be fine, and you can find it at Kragen... I used this stuff before installing the oil pan cork gasket a while back. Just apply a THIN film to the pan as a dressing to hold the gasket in place and also apply it to the mating surface on the block. Otherwise if thick, the cork gasket will squoosh out with ease and you will find yourself re-torquing the pan bolts. Some people here are recommending the paper gasket that is sold at NAPA.

[Mike H]

I ended up using the gray permatex stuff. I used a few twist ties to hold the gasket in place while I maneuvered it up and in. Using the tips that Hector, Winfred and George M had posted earlier, it was a surprisingly easy job.