Topic: NE Gaskets for oil pan?

[574hondarider]

I've heard from this site that NE head gaskets aren't that great, but are they ok for the oil pan gaskets??  I have 3 NE gaskets for the oil pan and would like to use them but not if they're sub-par. 

Thanks,

Bob

[DaveBarbier]

The material is fine, but generally they are a little thin. If it sticks up out of the groove well enough it will be fine. If I had them, I’d probably put a thin bead of non gardening sealer in the groove with it and see how that works. Not putting the oil pan on until it sets though.

[PeWe]

I have used NE gaskets as is, no additional sealer which make a mess, problem to replace gasket if needed with extra work removing gaskets in pieces, cleaning surfaces and make sure no sealer will clog the oil pump strainer.
Mating surfaces need to be scarred if in need of additional sealer upon the gasket.

I tighten all cover bolts with a torque wrench to ensure max torque without stripping threads.
7.5Nm work fine. Retighten the day after when gasket is new.
I tightened valve cover with 5Nm + retighten day after last time, no leaks. I use allen head bolts, easier to tighten.

[DaveBarbier]

As I said above, let the sealer cure before putting the cover on. Won’t make a mess. But I would install them normally first and see how they go. Worst case you get a small leak. Easy to replace.

And don’t use a torque wrench for these small screws. You’re asking for trouble. Just choke up on a 1/4” ratchet and make sure it’s tight enough.

[574hondarider]

Thanks for all your suggestions.  It gives me the confidence to proceed with these NE gaskets for the oil pan.  I was debating about using coppercoat but may try it without first and see.

[DaveBarbier]

Post how it works for you once you get a few miles on it. Helps people decide in the future. I would avoid copper coat or any sealer to seal the oil pan. I only suggested the non-hardening sealer to take up a little more space in the groove so the gasket is effectively held up out of the groove a little more helping it seal. You don’t want to “glue” the oil pan or any cover on. Not saying that’s what you were going to do, I just wanted to clarify my posts.

[Mark1976]

   Its your build do as you see fit, but before you mount up the oil pan make sure you take a few minutes to carefully examine both gasket mounting sufaces. If you see or feel any irregularities  in the mating surface that the gasket is making contact with, you can address them. Its just one of those attentions to detail you spend in order to assemble it and not have problems, I carefully inspect for high spots and then lightly stone away just the high spot in question, any type of recess may require a sealer, ultimately its up to you. I've never used sealer on an oil pan gasket, make sure its clean and smooth and then just install, after a few rides or at your first oil change recheck to tightness. If your going to torque these fastners you better have a recently calibrated wrench, the value on them is so low that there easy to strip if your using a torque wrench. Like many here, I prefer to hand tighten and recheck after a time of riding. Be patient, have a plan, it'll be fine...