<VV> Oil Pan Gaskets

[Smitty]

Smitty Says;  In reference to "My permatex 2 is better than your RTV' and 
"my cork is better than your neoprene", my answer is the same as that of one 
of our gurus years ago.  (Improper use of a product does not constitute 
failure of the product).  You have to understand the properties of the 
gasket, the sealer, and the malability of the oil pan.  We had a club member 
years ago that was determined his oil pan gasket would not leak.  He put the 
bolts in with a 1/2 drive pneumatic wrench.  Twisted a couple off but 
fortunately they were long enough he could screw them out from on top. 
Everyone said "Oh my gosh, it will leak like a sieve".  But it didn't. 
Something like the Lord suffering fools I guess.  Anyway, a flat gasket 
flange is imperative in all cases.  I'm not claiming to have all the 
answers, but I put my rubber gaskets on with RTV  on both sides.  I screw 
the bolts in finger tight.  The next day I tighten them with a gentle wrist 
twist using a screwdriver type nut runner.  then add the oil.  Do they leak? 
I have had leaks but they are not common.  If I get one, I pull the bolt and 
fill the cavity with RTV.  Then I put a finger on top and the thumb on the 
bottom and compress what is in the bolt hole.  Then stick the bolt back in. 
Seldom ever have a leak after that.  There are those in my club that use a 
coating of grease on a gasket.  They say it works for them.  I'll not argue 
with that.  Again, the one thing that is common to success is a flat pan 
gasket surface.  You would think that a cast pan and silicone gasket would 
be fool proof.  I have seen some where the fools tightened them so far the 
gasket squirted out like tooth paste.  Improper use of a product.  I am 
surprised that we ever get a totally dry pan gasket.  Nobody else has 2 
inches of oil standing above the level of their pan gasket.