February 26, 200620 yr replaced the oil pan gasket awhile back [oem] all the bolts were tight , can the bolts work alittle loose ? reason for the question is i am leaking alittle more oil now, but i am using full synthetic 10w30 , it always did leak alittle before , if i remember the bolts are 10mm , between oil changes about 1qt every 3,000mi before ,
February 26, 200620 yr Yes, it is possible for the bolts to loosen some. Got to be careful though, that you don't over-tighten them either, as you can split the gasket at the bolt holes. I've seen that done many times, my Brother is a good one for doing that. His theory, if it still moves, it ain't tight enough... Another reason for the pan gasket to leak especially after replacing a gasket, is the area around the bolt holes in the pan get a dish shape to them. When that happens, you don't get a good squish all the way around the gasket, just where the bolt holes are. You need to make sure that the entire sealing lip of the pan is flat. You can use a small piece of wood or steel, that'll fit under the lip of the pan, and flatten the bolt holes back down with a hammer. Carefully, I might add. Been awhile since I've looked at the oil pan on a Subby motor, not sure if there's a ridge in the center of the lip or not. If there is one, don't flatten it, it's there to help seal the gasket.
February 26, 200620 yr ok thanks, that why i am going to use a 3/8 drive 10mm socket , just be careful, i think the torque rating is like 11-15 ft/lbs
February 26, 200620 yr Yes, it is possible for the bolts to loosen some. Got to be careful though, that you don't over-tighten them either, as you can split the gasket at the bolt holes. Just for the record - I have done that too. Found that it was due to cheap aftermarket pan gaskets. In fact, the pan gaskets are one of those magical items that I get from the dealer only. The dealer ones seem to have more glue, and the aftermarket ones absorb the oil and begin to breakdown and get mushy - then the bolts are loose. I've even tried RTV - the bolts just loosen due to the gasket getting oily and mushy. They are like $8 from the dealer.... GD
February 26, 200620 yr just be careful, i think the torque rating is like 11-15 ft/lbs IIRC, the pan bolts are rated in inch pounds. GD
February 26, 200620 yr Author all bolts were tight , sooooooooo i guess it is the rear main , ,we replaced that when the motor was out , + oil line to turbo + coolant line , could be the fact i am running synthetic oil and is causing alittle more leaking may go to 20w50 next time
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