VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Oil pan and valve cover gaskets

I’m going to replace the oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket on my 54 235 engine (not original) on my 41 AK truck this week. They’re leaking a little bit. Just looking for any good techniques or helpful advice. I usually coat the gaskets in the liquid copper coat gasket compound and let it sit for a few minutes till it gets tacky. I haven’t pulled the oil pan yet but the pictures of the gasket appears that there are two separate sections (Lt and Rt). Is there also a separate section for the front and back also? Just wondering if anyone uses something like form a gasket on their gaskets. Thanks.

Hi Planepal

Regarding the oil pan gasket,
You might try the method I use as I posted here:

https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php/topics/485987/oil-pan-gasket-installation-tip.html#Post485987

It is very much a personal preference which sealant you do or do not use. I have used anything and everything and nothing with the full range of results. The one thing I do not like about adhesive/tacky type sealers is that heavy clean-up work the next time you have to deal with that gasket.

You might consider replacing the side cover gasket while you are this far into the efforts to try and stop the leakage.

Ole's tips for installing the pan gasket are very good.

The other key factor is to make sure the pan and valve cover flanges are smooth and square, Typically you will see that the fasteners have been overtightened to try and stop the leaks. So the flanges are dimpled wherever there is a fastener.

Good tip. Thanks.

Good stuff. I’ve used a two inch section of a chopstick to help line up the valve cover gaskets on my International Scouts. That oil pan on the Chevy is a bit more involved. Thanks.

with the multi piece oil pan gaskets I general stick the gasket pieces to the block with non hardening aviation cement, when it holds the gasket in place apply a dab of silicone to the gasket joints only prior to fitting the pan without any more sealant. I havent had any leaks that I know of.

Valve cover gaskets I glue the gaskets to the cover only.

Neither method may be correct but work for me.

Tony