Oil pan gaskets: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace oil pan gaskets

The oil pan gasket has no exact lifetime limit. Its replacement is performed at deformation and integrity violation (for example, at appearance of cracks on it). Moreover, the gasket should be replaced at every removal of the oil pan.

The causes of gasket cracks can be the following: severe temperature variations, excessive pressure in the crankcase, for example, due to failures of the ventilation system. And removal of the oil pan and, correspondingly, installation of a new gasket will be necessary at performance of repair works or oil pan replacement.

Damaging of the gasket, and, consequently, loss of the oil pan tightness and oil leakage can be indicated by lowering of the working fluid level. It can be noticed during visual inspection with the help of the dipstick. In addition, oil stains can be found on the ground under the car.

Replacement of the part is performed with the help of a lifting platform. Before installation of a new component, the surface of the oil pan should be thoroughly cleaned from fragments of old one. Moreover, it is recommended to treat a new gasket with silicon sealant in order to provide the hermeticity of the assembly.

Take into account, that pressure in the system should be restored after installation of the oil pan back to its place. For this, let the engine operate at idle for some time.

How to select oil pan gasket

By production material, the oil pan gaskets are divided into paper, silicon, cork and rubber ones. Items made of silicon and rubber are considered more durable, while the cork items are notable for low price. Alongside with that, quality-to-price ratio of the automotive gaskets mostly depends on a manufacturer. So, inexpensive and reliable parts are presented in the assortment of Ajusa and Elring.

In order to select the item properly, you need to consider the brand, model, production year and body type of the car. No less important factor are car operational conditions. Particularly, selecting the oil pan gasket, note for which temperature range it is designed.

Also, the component should comply with main parameters of the engine installed in the car. They are: type, power, displacement, mounting location, and design. Gasket size, thickness and shape depend on this. It is important for correct installation, that quantity and sizes of holes in the part correspond to the oil pan mounting type.