I changed my oil pan gasket out while making other repairs awhile ago. Since then I've always had an oil leak when driving at speeds above 60 mph. I reviewed the steps for install in the FSM and noticed that it calls for RTV to be applied near the bellhousing end of the pan; this is something I didn't do. Would this be my issue? Why is RTV needed with such a thick gasket?

 

its a Rover; all Rover require RTV not to leak.

 

Just because? Do you typically put it on both sides of the pre-formed gasket? I've only used RTV where a pre-formed gasket was not used.

 

on a rover "i" put black RTV on every gasket, but that just because i hate leaks .

 

Well I cant argue with that. I suppose i'll just drop this pan and RTV this thing.

 

same here. I even used it on the valve cover gaskets. I'm sure that'll be fun, at some point.

 

x1 Yep, sadly RTV rules OK. I use on one side of the gasket only, mostly to hold it in place, then bolt up loosely and wait 10 minutes (depending on the ambient temperature) then torque up as stated. Always use RTV on the front and rear where the crank is otherwise it nearly always leaks.

 

Sorry to burst your bubble I live where you do - the heat and humidity is so high here in the summer. No matter what you do, there simply will always be some weeping, dripping from the oil pan. The only way to seal these things up is permanently and that is not recommended.

 

I had an afternoon of bad experience carefully removing RTV from the Paj head. I will only ever use it now on the rocker cover face if at all. It's a real PITA to remove and not drop into the valve gear and consequently the sump.

 

Check out that your crankcase pressure relief isn't blocked with cr@p and over pressurising the crankcase. It happens and consequently blows oil past gaskets.