oil pan gasket

2002 TOYOTA COROLLA
215,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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RIEBE123
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I need to change the oil pan gasket . can I buy a gasket for my car and use the silicon or must I only use the silicon sealant?
Jul 1, 2016 at 6:39 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Yes.

Unless there is something I am not aware of, most cars have been using just the silicone gasket sealers for oil pans, valve covers, and transmission pans. If you can find an aftermarket gasket made of silicone rubber or cork, those will work too, but you have to be careful to not over-tighten the bolts as that can split them and make them leak. You can also use a light film of RTV, (room temperature vulcanizing) gasket sealer on both sides of a cork gasket to make it easier to remove next time. RTV sealer is just another name for silicone gasket sealer.

When I worked for a very nice family-owned Chrysler dealership, we had two RTV sealers. The black stuff cures more rubbery and is pretty easy to scrape off later. The problem is it will not bond and seal if there is any film of oil residue on either part. Both surfaces must be perfectly dry. The gray stuff cures a little harder and it will bond through a light film of oil. It takes more time to scrape all of it off next time.

I am sure other dealers have similar products. I just happen to be familiar with those I get from the Chrysler parts department. If you get a tube from a hardware store or auto parts store, watch that it is safe for use with oxygen sensors. Most products are now, but years ago some gave off fumes while curing that would damage the O2 sensors.
Jul 1, 2016 at 8:38 PM
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JOHNNY G.JR
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RTV stands for room temperature vulcanization. Make sure flange on pan is not distorted before installing.
Jul 1, 2016 at 9:21 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Just to add to this one there is a actual gasket for the pan I would just use a gasket.I use 3m weather strip adhesive to tack gaskets in place it works great.
Jul 1, 2016 at 10:18 PM