Oil Pan Gasket - Another ??

[RedMeanzGo]

Finally replaced the oil pan gasket ! I followed the torque procedure the best I could... Had to use an extension and a U-Joint in spots. (I'm still not entirely sure how that affects the torque setting) Looking at the gasket now, it seems it may be bulging just ever so slightly all the way around the pan. Is this normal ? My concern is primarily focused on the tiny amount of clearance between the gasket and the flywheel. It hard to see up there, but I would guess theres only one or two mm of space between the them. What do you guys think ?

[whalenlg]

Here are pics of mine that might help - no flywheel, but it does show how mine ended up.

[Zirconocene]

I don't know what the WSM calls for but I've become a huge fan of using non-hardening sealant for these applications. The one I've been using and had success with is Permatex Aviation Form a Gasket. It's a goopy brown liquid that has been totally great for solving the issues I've had on some transmission oil pans.

I just mention it because even in the cases where there's a low torque spec for the oil pan bolts, and a significantly thinner gasket, it's worked really well, so if you're worried about bulge out and want to be on the low end of the torque spec, something like this might help significantly to keep things sealed up and leak free.

Good luck, no matter what.

[RedMeanzGo]

Thank you for the pics, and suggestions. Here is a pic of mine. You might have to zoom in a little, but take a look at the proximity of the flywheel.

[whalenlg]

Good pic!
I focused on seeing if there's any overhang of the gasket past the crank girdle. My pics for sure don't show the gasket extending past the girdle, so it for sure wouldn't have any issue with the flywheel.
Your pic looks like it extends slightly over the crank girdle, but I can't tell if that's going to be an issue.
At least that's the way I see it...

[RedMeanzGo]

Thanks for the insight. I agree I think it may be an issue. I must have screwed up the torque process somehow. I am going to loosen all the bolts, try it again and see if I get a better result. Better to do it now I guess, rather than after it’s all put back together right !

[Evan]

A slight bulge is normal if the gasket is slightly compressed, but check for over-torquing extensions and U-joints can reduce effective torque. If the gasket isn’t touching the flywheel, you’re fine. If it’s too close, re-torque in sequence and verify clearance. If still bulging, the gasket may be misaligned or the pan warped.

[michaelmount123]

Coat the pan gasket with engine oil; not dripping wet, just wet - top, bottom, ends. This allows the gasket to squirm into place where it's happy. Don't use any sealant, but do follow the factory torque sequence. It won't leak, and it wont bulge. You're welcome.
MM

[RedMeanzGo]

Hi Michael, I read and followed all of your previous posts concerning the gasket. The oiling tip is priceless !! THANK YOU !!! So, I went ahead and loosened all the bolts and then went through the torque procedure again. I think I'm ok now. I feel like the part that was bulging near the flywheel has receded just enough to make me feel comfortable. Thanks again everyone !