To use RTV or not to use RTV, that is the question

[Plain Jane]

I need to R/R my oil pan gasket. The GM tech manual doesn't say to use any RTV or anything of the sort. When I purchased the new gasket from the GM dealership, the parts guy said that on the computer there was a note to USE with RTV. The gasket has a raised orange rubber seal. Not sure what do do.

[TealV6]

Re: To use RTV or not to use RTV, that is the question

I would put a thin layer of RTV on the pan, let it tack up, then drop/align the gasket on the pan.

[cam98aro]

Re: To use RTV or not to use RTV, that is the question

it depends on the gasket you use.. with some you are suppose to use it, others you arent.

[dmw319]

Re: To use RTV or not to use RTV, that is the question

i would use it.

[UDLOSE98]

Re: To use RTV or not to use RTV, that is the question

the answer to all of lifes questions is use RTV

[Blizzard242]

Re: To use RTV or not to use RTV, that is the question

Yeah just be careful as to how much you use. You don't want it splurgin out into the pan.

[David8399]

Re: To use RTV or not to use RTV, that is the question

Oil Pan Installation




1. Apply a continuous bead 6.35 mm (0.25 in) thick of RTV sealer GM P/N 12378521 (Canadian P/N 88901148) to the topside of the new gasket. Apply the RTV sealant directly over the gaskets sealing bead.

2. Install the NEW oil pan gasket onto the engine.



3. Apply a continuous bead 6.35 mm (0.25 in) thick of RTV sealer GM P/N 12378521 (Canadian P/N 88901148) to the bottom side of the new gasket. Apply the RTV sealant directly over the gaskets sealing bead.



4. Install the oil pan.
5. Clean the oil pan bolts of all debris.
6. Apply one drop of GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) to each bolt.
7. Install the oil pan bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the oil pan bolts to 14 N·m (125 lb in).





Install the oil level sensor.

Tighten
Tighten the oil level sensor to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


this is a step by step from gm