Cork vs RTV oil pan gasket

[Rufton]

I've used RTV w/ cork and had pretty good success. One has no leaks after about 15 years . Other just starting to weep after about 12 years.

I'm considering using RTV only because cork goes bad after several years.

I'll check oil pump pickup clearance.

Anyone have luck w/ RTV only oil pan gaskets?

[Corts60]

I use a product called the right stuff. It is by Mr Gasket. OEM's use it instead of gaskets these days. Better than silicone and can be used almost immediately after application. Very good stuff and you don't have to buy gaskets again! I wouldn't use it on valve covers though because that is a place you need to be able to get into often.
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[Rufton]

Thanks Corts60. I think I'll try it. Didn't use it yet because I was afraid it would skin faster than I can assemble. I've had good success applying sealer to all surfaces and assembling before skins over. With no gasket only 2 surfaces to deal with.

With no gasket I suppose there will be areas of metal to metal contact. This may be better than cork. I think cork gets thinner after many compressions due to heat cycles, etc. After several years the bolts that secure cork gaskets tend to loosen. Bolts that secure paper gaskets tend to stay tight; less room for compression. Maybe the bolts/pan are elastic enough to stretch/shrink enough to handle many heat cycles.

[Rufton]

The Right Stuff costs $19.99 a can.
Don't know if I have enough stuff to buy it

[tincan1966]

We use Right Stuff on the Fuel Altered motor to seal the intake and the blower to the manifold. It works great and is well worth the money. Have used it for years in place of front and rear intake rubber seals on Chevy engines.
A tip I found is the one piece oil pan gaskets are great for SBC motors and you can get away from the sealant in the corners. Also they are a reuseable gasket with crush rings to avoid overtightening.They are available for the older two piece rear main seal engines.
Another good product is Copper Coat spray to help tack gaskets in place. Again, not the cheapest product, but it works and can be done neatly without a bunch of ugly stuff squishing out around every gasket surface.(which just looks sloppy)

I still keep a bottle of the old Indian Head Gasket Shelac in my toolbox, as well!

[bj383ss]

I second the one piece gasket. I think the one I have is made by FelPro. Has been in the Caprice for the last 10 years and it is dry as a bone.

Bret

[Rufton]

Sounds like the right stuff is a good solution.
Wonder if gasketless RTV is also a good solution?

During tear downs I've noticed RTV seems to adhere well to flanges but is still easy to clean off years later. I've had small leaks but not sure if gasket or sealer failed; suspect gasket shrank. Had massive leaks from OEM installed cork gaskets after many years.

[Rufton]

FWIW. I did get some right stuff for another project. For the 66 oil pan, I deleted gasket and used RTV. No leaks so far; knock on wood. Don't miss that cork gasket one bit

[bama63]

permatex also has a gasket maker that i have used with no problems and the cost is less than half the cost of the mr gasket brand and is also called right stuff.