Removed my oil pan today to check things out and re-seal the pan. Noticed that someone prviously used a ton of RTV silicone as a sealant. What I found may be the culprit to much noise generated from the engine. I have previously used a stethiscope to listen to my engines internal components prior to removing the pan. I had noticed that my passenger side rocker assembly sounded realy dry. Found that the oil pickup tube was more than 3/4 of the way restricted by old chunks of RTV. Not only does the RTV seal up the components you are trying to seal, but seal up other un-intended components as well. I used a hose to clean out the oil pickup tube and noticed that even with pressurized water, it does not transfer liquid fast or in good supply. This RTV restriction may have caused some serious damage to my engine. I did notice that all of my rod bearing caps had movement but do not think the RTV caused it. I have not looked at the cam or rockers yet, but expect some tremendous wear from the lack of good oil supply. So for all you people who prefer RTV over gaskets, users beware. I make all my own gaskets out of high quality gasket paper that can be bought at most auto parts stores. If you are patient and use the right tools you can make nearly every gasket on the engine. For the bolt holes I use a small hand held hole punch. I wonder if most people who use RTV as gaskets really understand what they are doing to their engines.

 

RTV is great IF you use it correctly. I apply RTV to both sides of most gaskets I install with an acid brush. Goes on nice and thin...just enough to help seal the thing but not enough to squish out and get where you don't want it. I have when I find someone putting a 1/4 inch bead on the valve covers because they don't want to spend $15 on new gaskets...

 

I only use Right Stuff or Black RTV. It lasts longer and seals better that cork or paper as long as it's applied correctly and I think I know what I'm doing to my engines.

BTW, what ever happened to you buying my steering boxes????