Hello,
Another newb question from me. I have a small leak in my oil pan gasket; Can I remove the pan and install a new gasket without pulling the engine? I have no equipment to remove the engine so I am not looking for a shortcut just a way to do it myself. Thanks, Jeff

EDIT: Forgot... L26 260z

 

yes you can do it in any S30... its a tight squeez but easily done with the proper angling of the pan when pulling it. its a bitch to get the bolts though that are right over the engine cradle/steering rack

 

Great Thanks that just made my day! I hate giving the mechanics money.

 

Any preferences on gasket sealer? My first time replacing oil pan gasket any tips or things I should be aware of?

 

I am sure you could do a little trick with kind of lifting the engine enough. First unbolt your motor mounts. Then take a floor jack, and jack it between the engine and transmission. And then do it just enough to get to the oil pan a little easier. I did this trick replacing the rack and pinion in my '82 slicktop. Should be easier changing a pan gasket. Good luck man..

 

RTV black should work fine. But also RTV red and blue...should work also. I think I used RTV black on my pan gasket. Before putting the engine in my '82 Top. Unfortunately though...I made the costly mistake. Of not changing out my front seal. So since then I have been leaking oil. And now with my commute to work. I am going through a quart of oil a week...

 

go order a real gasket its cheaper and more reliable than gasket maker. napa or autozone or carquest will carry it dont cheap out for RTV or some crap like that.

 

I agree with the gasket thing. I can't tell you how many times I've had problem with sealants, to end up having to clean it all up, throw a gasket on and have no issues.

 

Oh..I put on a gasket with the sealer of course. I haven't had any issues using RTV. But to each his own...you do what you like.

 

Ya! I never had plans to just use sealer. I am wondering what sealer to use with my new gasket. Do the gaskets come with sealer?

 

dont need it if its a new gasket.... i spose you can put a very very thin of some high temp sealer around both sides.... but honestly not needed at all. i never used that crap when i had a new gasket

 

great, thanks.

 

Use a new gasket and throw the RTV in the trash.

Only times you should use it, are on multiple flange points. Like on the fronts and rears of intake manifolds/head/engine block junction on small block V8's.

RTV if used in small amounts will do nothing but cause poor sealing many miles down the road, and using too much will clog the inside of your engine up, and the pick up screen on your oil pump.

Who wants that?

There are times you need RTV. But, if you can make it work without, my best advice is to leave it in the tube.

This comes from many engine builds, motorcycles, cars, trucks, heavy equipment etc.

Any technician or mechanic that has been building for a while would agree.

Good luck with the pan. Sounds like a fun and dirty job. Only other advise I have is to use a pair of safety glasses. haha