How Much Silicon

arrowshooters · July 7, 2009

Hi all. First time here, kind-a cool. I am putting a new (remaned) long block 5.7 in my '98 C1500 soon. I am wondering if I should lightly silicon the entire Oil Pan surface on the block or just the front, the back and the corners like the Haynes says. On past engines I have been very liberal with the silicon but have heard that maybe I should not be on this engine. What do you think?

Brad0Walker · July 7, 2009

I thought this topic was about something else?

pm26 · July 7, 2009

If you are using a full gasket, then using RTV only in corners as shown will suffice. I have seen similar instructions for valve cover gaskets for my Mazda 626.

texx · July 7, 2009

I thought this topic was about something else?

I will offer my services as the Plastic Fantastic Inspector!

arrowshooters · July 7, 2009

If you are using a full gasket, then using RTV only in corners as shown will suffice. I have seen similar instructions for valve cover gaskets for my Mazda 626.

Thanks. I am also assuming the the timing chain cover can go on dry also?

ukrkoz · July 8, 2009

ok, i guess i am either insane, but with good results to my insanity, but i have been siliconing gaskets fairly well all through for quite some time. matter of fact, some car manufacturers do not use gaskets anymore, just straight sealant.

just me. i found it much easier to install gaskets this way, esp on upside down jobs like pans, and use much less torque to snug everything in place. never had any issue. just make sure it's not dripping inside the pan or something.

arrowshooters · July 8, 2009

ok, i guess i am either insane, but with good results to my insanity, but i have been siliconing gaskets fairly well all through for quite some time. matter of fact, some car manufacturers do not use gaskets anymore, just straight sealant.
just me. i found it much easier to install gaskets this way, esp on upside down jobs like pans, and use much less torque to snug everything in place. never had any issue. just make sure it's not dripping inside the pan or something.

I'm with ya. I'll just do what I have always done too.

REV353 · July 8, 2009

On paper gaskets I use threebond 1104 comes in a yellow/white tube. Both sides on paper gaskets and only side on cork. When I put my 289 back together I used it to hold the oil pan gasket in place and used the "Right Stuff" in the corners and where the rubber seals meet. When I put the intake on I left the front and rear cork gaskets out and filled it in with the "Right Stuff".

Spurshot · July 8, 2009

There used to be a non hardening sealant called Hylomar. It was a Rolls Royce developed product and Permatex was licensed to make it and it was sold in Trak Auto for a while. Great stuff and you could get it apart. My beef with fully silconing a pan on, is that you'll play hell getting it off.