OS34500R pan gasket - Is this going to be a problem?

[GT80]

I think I remember seeing a review on one of the parts sites where someone saw a similar issue and had nothing but leaks afterwards. I don't want leaks after all this work. Has anyone else noticed this at the front of the pan with the Felpro OS34500R gasket? It fits fine at the rear, and I could understand needing a little compression, but this seems excessive. Yep, it's seated as far as it'll go into the U. When I press it down it buckles.

 

[GT80]

This wasn't the review I had read, but another one saying the same thing. After 5 minutes running, puddle of oil.

 

[Frank Enstein]

I've been selling that one for over 25 years and never a problem. Put 4 dabs of silicone 1/8" thick in the corners top and bottom without letting it skin over and you're in. I like to use gasgacinch as well.

 

[GT80]

Thanks. Given the choice, would you install the oil pan first, then the timing cover? Or timing cover then oil pan?

 

[Nad_Yvalhosert]

Thanks. Given the choice, would you install the oil pan first, then the timing cover? Or timing cover then oil pan?

Theres no choice. The timing cover has the gasket land for the pan gasket.

You've never dismantled a smallblock before, huh?

 

[Frank Enstein]

Timing cover has to go on first for the oil pan gasket to seat properly.

You'll get it.

 

[GT80]

You've never dismantled a smallblock before, huh?

Only SBF. I've had the 302 in my 88 Mustang on the stand stripped almost down to the bare block. Kind of a smartass comment really. The reason I asked is I can replace the timing cover without replacing the oil pan gasket, right? And I can replace the oil pan gasket without replacing the timing cover, right? So which is best? But what Frank said above makes sense, that the timing cover makes the pan gasket seat properly, and going that route helps me since I have been in a holding pattern waiting on the oil pump. So thanks, Frank.

 

[stutaeng]

I think you figured it own. Let us know how it turns out or if you have any more questions.

Don't take it personal. @Nad_Yvalhosert is a professional, so his perspective is different than ours, but he offers really good advice.

Now that I think about it, we should have like a level of experience in our Avatar. Some guys here are really experienced, some are pros, some are learning (like me), and some are just clueless (also me!)

 

[Nad_Yvalhosert]

Only SBF. I've had the 302 in my 88 Mustang on the stand stripped almost down to the bare block. Kind of a smartass comment really. The reason I asked is I can replace the timing cover without replacing the oil pan gasket, right? And I can replace the oil pan gasket without replacing the timing cover, right? So which is best? But what Frank said above makes sense, that the timing cover makes the pan gasket seat properly, and going that route helps me since I have been in a holding pattern waiting on the oil pump. So thanks, Frank.

So, you didnt read what I wrote in the paragraph just above what you quoted? And what @Frank Enstein restated...
Here, I'll copy and paste:

The timing cover has the gasket land for the pan gasket.

Seeing as you admitted your inexperience in smallblock Chevy teardown, I'll explain: The front of the smallblock has dowel pins that line up the gasket and the timing cover. Then the oil pan gasket goes on with 2 small dabs of RTV at the contact points.

 

[GT80]

Thank you. I appreciate the insight. I know the timing cover has the land for the oil pan gasket. What I didn't realize was the importance the timing cover played in locating the oil pan gasket. Frank's reply was more descriptive to me.