Oil pan gasket and seal.

[Michael K.]

When replacing the gasket set on my 1966 327, I wasn't happy with the poor fit between the front rubber seal and cork gasket as there was a small space between them. Despite filling the space with Permatex black gasket maker, it still leaks at the front driver's side corner of the pan. The pan is in good shape, all surfaces were cleaned well and bolts tightened evenly. The leak is small but not acceptable. What gasket set and sealer do you recommend? Thanks! Michael Kalogridis (518) 248-1105

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

When replacing the gasket set on my 1966 327, I wasn't happy with the poor fit between the front rubber seal and cork gasket as there was a small space between them. Despite filling the space with Permatex black gasket maker, it still leaks at the front driver's side corner of the pan. The pan is in good shape, all surfaces were cleaned well and bolts tightened evenly. The leak is small but not acceptable. What gasket set and sealer do you recommend? Thanks! Michael Kalogridis (518) 248-1105

Michael------


Are you sure this is the original oil pan and not a later replacement? The later GM replacement is configured exactly like the original pan EXCEPT for the front oil pan seal radius. Original pans are 2-1/4" and the replacement pan is 2-3/8". A different front seal is required for each of these oil pans. If you use a 1955-74 front seal on a replacement oil pan, you WILL have a leak in the area you describe.

[Michael K.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

Thanks for the helpful info Joe. I'm not sure if the pan is original or replaced as I have only owned the car 2 years following several owners that I can't track down. I'll be removing the pan and will measure the radius. I suspect the [pan is a replacement as the front seal didn't appear long enough. Are the seals for 2-3/8" pans available? I used a Fel Pro gasket set from Long Island Corvette. Thanks again, mk

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

Thanks for the helpful info Joe. I'm not sure if the pan is original or replaced as I have only owned the car 2 years following several owners that I can't track down. I'll be removing the pan and will measure the radius. I suspect the [pan is a replacement as the front seal didn't appear long enough. Are the seals for 2-3/8" pans available? I used a Fel Pro gasket set from Long Island Corvette. Thanks again, mk

Michael-------

You can still get the front oil pan seal from GM under GM #12337940. This is applicable to 1975-82 as well as 1963-74 with replacement oil pans purchased after about 1975. I don't think it's available in the aftermarket separately from the gasket kit.

In order to measure the oil pan front seal radius, place the pan upside down on a flat, level surface. Then, measure from the apex of the seal radius to the flat surface.

If you are more concerned about sealing than you are concerned about "correctness", I highly recommend using a 1 piece oil pan gasket. If you find that you do, indeed, have the 2-3/8" radius pan, you can use a 1 piece gasket like Fel-Pro OS34510T.

[Michael K.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

Thanks so much Joe, I'm going to apply the one piece gasket. What gasket sealer do you recommend? You're great! Thanks again, mk

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

Thanks so much Joe, I'm going to apply the one piece gasket. What gasket sealer do you recommend? You're great! Thanks again, mk

Michael-------


Very little sealer is necessary with the one piece gasket. However, a dab of sealer is required in the corners. Instructions are included with the gasket. You should follow them. I recommend Permatex Ultra Black for this application.

You definitely need to confirm which pan you have before you order a gasket, though.

[Michael K.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

Thanks Joe.

[Roger W.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

Joe,
Is there a year that replacement pans began with the 2-3/8" radius? I have a trap door pan that I purchased about 1970 and I don't remember having a gasket problem. I may have lucked out with the correct gaskets.

Roger

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

Joe,
Is there a year that replacement pans began with the 2-3/8" radius? I have a trap door pan that I purchased about 1970 and I don't remember having a gasket problem. I may have lucked out with the correct gaskets.

Roger

Roger-------


The change occurred in the late 1976 to early 1977 time period. So, a pan purchased in 1970 would certainly still have the original 2-1/4" front seal radius.

[Bob W.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

Joe Would you use the GM #12337940 gasket on the replacement c1 pans also?

Bob

[Harry S.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

This may help.....

[Roger W.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

Thanks Joe.

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

Joe Would you use the GM #12337940 gasket on the replacement c1 pans also?

Bob

Bob------


Yes, for 1976+ replacements (i.e. 6 digit part numbers). However, you would only need it if you were trying to "convert" an earlier gasket set. If you obtain the 1975+ gasket set, the correct front seal is supplied as part of it.

[Bob W.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

JOE-HARRY Thanks for the info.

Bob

[Michael K.]

Re: Oil pan gasket and seal.

Joe, I removed the pan, 2-3/8" radius, so a replacement pan. I am replacing with a one piece rubber gasket. Hopefully, problem solved! Thanks all, Michael Kalogridis