So my oil pan needs to be replaced. Rusted, busted and leaking oil. Plenty of how-to threads in searches.

But my question is, whats better? Using a gasket, RTV silicone, or both?
Seems like the FSM says to use just RTV. But I read others saying the gasket is better at staving off leaks.

Any opinions? Thanks in advance.

 

use the OEM gasket... no headaches

 

+1

 

My Oem gasket was RTV. Lol

 

Different people will tell you different things. I have seen people use both with success. You decide what is better. I would put RTV on it.

 

FWIW,

I just recently did this job myself and I decided to go with the paper/cork (or whatever the heck it's made of) vs the RTV.

RTV is great for the robot assemblers on the line but a bit of a pain for the DIY'er laying on his back on the garage floor. I used RTV when I did the water pump / timing chain tensioner because there was no other option. Came out fine.

BUT - when I saw there was an aftermarket 1 piece gasket for the oil pan I decided to give it a try. Neater, simpler and no stupid tube of left over goo sitting in my toolbox.

Cleaned everything up, torqued it down to spec (+2 more ft/lb taking into account gasket squish), RE-torqued 2 hours later (make sure you follow the pattern in the FSM) and so far ... perfect.

I recommend replacing the washer behind the oil cooler while you are there. They leak don'tcha know.

Easy job really.

 

You still need to use RTV on a gasket...so, yeah. You might as well use RTV only and save money.

And since when does the lower pan have a gasket? I've never seen one.

 

Wrong.

Are you for real? Every sealing surface on a motor has a gasket of some kind. RTV or otherwise.

 

I used the included gasket then rtv on the corners for front & rear

 

+1 and +1

 

RTV, yes, but not a cork one or otherwise.