Oil pan gasket leaking again

[pjm8047]

I had my oil pan gaskets replaced 3 years ago on 383 with wind age tray they were the originals. I had a local shop install two new fel pro cork gaskets and they ended up using rtv on them and I also noticed that the gaskets are soaked with oil. My question is is using rtv on the gaskets causing the leak? I just bought two new fel pro hi performance gaskets part number 1808. I hope these seal.

 

[Bill Monk]

I would not use rtv personally, others may have a different opinion. I use the felpro 1834, they have a steel core and no leaks.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-1834/overview/make/plymouth

 

[65-440]

No RTV necessary... except at the rear retainer joints

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I personally have RTV'd the top gasket (over windage tray) to hold it in place and have not experienced an issue. Are you getting more piston blow-by than your PCV system can handle causing pressure in the crankcase?

 

[pjm8047]

I personally have RTV'd the top gasket (over windage tray) to hold it in place and have not experienced an issue. Are you getting more piston blow-by than your PCV system can handle causing pressure in the crankcase?

Blow by? How can I tell? Is it normal for the oil pressure gauge to peg at H when not at idle cruising down the road? At idle it’s at 3/4. I’m not burning oil and my PCV is dry

 

[Shorthorse]

RTV is a option. Three years suggests it wasn't immediate. The gasket, depending on the material, will compress when tightened and may need a follow up snugging, especially with the expansion and contraction due to engine heat. Maintaining a flat oil pan rail is the key as over tightening will distort the rail at the bolt holes.

 

[Bill Monk]

You already know the gasket you have is leaking so either way it needs replaced but Beeper is referring to too much crankcase pressure. I went with this pcv valve for just that reason, it's expensive but adjustable to the engine needs.
http://mewagner.com/?p=444

 

[pjm8047]

You already know the gasket you have is leaking so either way it needs replaced but Beeper is referring to too much crankcase pressure. I went with this pcv valve for just that reason, it's expensive but adjustable to the engine needs.
http://mewagner.com/?p=444

I just have a plan pcv valve the I found that fit my chrome valve covers.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Blow by? How can I tell? Is it normal for the oil pressure gauge to peg at H when not at idle?

A down & dirty test for blowby is to just remove the oil filler cap when the engine is running & look for "puffs" of smoke.

 

[pjm8047]

A down & dirty test for blowby is to just remove the oil filler cap when the engine is running & look for "puffs" of smoke.

My chrome covers don’t have a oil filter cap. Just a spot for pcv valve and breather.

 

[FrnkNsteen]

I like Permatex Hi-Tack for my cork gaskets.

 

[FrnkNsteen]

My chrome covers don’t have a oil filter cap. Just a spot for pcv valve and breather.

How do you put in oil? Pull the breather I assume?

If that's the case, the pull the breather and look for puffs of smoke, as Beeper suggested, or just look and see if you have oil residue coming out of your breather. If the PCV is working properly, and connected to your air cleaner, the draw on the PCV should be pulling out crankcase pressure and allowing clean air in through your breather.

 

[pjm8047]

How do you put in oil? Pull the breather I assume?

If that's the case, the pull the breather and look for puffs of smoke, as Beeper suggested, or just look and see if you have oil residue coming out of your breather. If the PCV is working properly, and connected to your air cleaner, the draw on the PCV should be pulling out crankcase pressure and allowing clean air in through your breather.

I add oil through pcv valve port. I’m not seeing smoke coming from air cleaner snorkel it’s a 71 air cleaner housing. My oil drain plug leaks. Could a leaky drain cause oil pan to be wet?

 

[pjm8047]

The leak is really not that bad I just see a few drops of oil on back side of k frame at its lowest point Every now and then I drive the car. One more question. Is it easy to replace gasket on the ground? Windage tray is factory installed per my father the original owner. 36,000 miles on the motor.

 

[pjm8047]

I like Permatex Hi-Tack for my cork gaskets.

This stuff? https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...ant-80064/7160164-P?searchTerm=GAsket+sealant

 

[Bill Monk]

The leak is really not that bad I just see a few drops of oil on back side of k frame at its lowest point Every now and then I drive the car. One more question. Is it easy to replace gasket on the ground? Windage tray is factory installed per my father the original owner. 36,000 miles on the motor.

You will have to drop the center link and the bolts on the front corners can be a pain but I've done several laying on my back. You of course need 2 gaskets with the windage tray

 

[FrnkNsteen]

This stuff? https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...ant-80064/7160164-P?searchTerm=GAsket+sealant

I haven't used the spray, I prefer it in the brush-on bottle.

https://www.autozone.com/sealants-g...ush-top-can-high-tack-gasket-sealant/554063_0

 

[FrnkNsteen]

I add oil through pcv valve port. I’m not seeing smoke coming from air cleaner snorkel it’s a 71 air cleaner housing. My oil drain plug leaks. Could a leaky drain cause oil pan to be wet?

You likely won't see it coming out the snorkel as air is being drawn in there and down the carb. You'll have to pull your breather out and see if you see any smoke fumes coming up out of it.

EDIT.... When I say "Smoke fumes",... I'm obviously not talking smoke,.... just oily vapor.

 

[Ranger16]

RTV was the only thing that solved a valve cover leak for me.

If you are using a PCV valve one one side, AND a breather cap instead of a oil filler CAP on the other, crankcase pressure is probably not your problem.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

My chrome covers don’t have a oil filter cap. Just a spot for pcv valve and breather.

Then pull out the breather with the engine running & put your hand over the hole and/or just look. A VERY minor "puff" is normal, but if you can actually see something puffing out, then your piston blow-by (leaking at the piston rings) is high, which can make your valve cover, oil pan, timing cover, etc. gaskets start to leak (being pushed out by this pressure from the inside). It's a very crude, but easy & free test, and if you have excessive blow-by, you'll know it.