Oilpan leakage

[Blackfoot]

My RX-7 w/Nissan engine has developed a nasty, voluminous leak in what I have determined is coming from the oilpan gasketure. Actually, this engine has two oilpan-looking things, a smaller bottom, and a larger, intermediate pan. Here are some pics.

First small pan off

Small pan with proposed gray RTV

In this next shot, you can clearly see where gray RTV is used as a gasket between what I call the intermediate oilpan and the engine


In taking off the small pan, it shows that RTV or equivalent is the factory method of sealing. My question is, would cutting out a pattern in gasket material and using it instead of RTV work better? Combination gasket material & RTV? Other?

Also, noticed an interesting thing when the small pan came off:


Yup, the oil scavenge was broken clear off. What could have caused it to snap?

The intermediate pan is 3x longer and will come off tomorrow. Any sealing ideas would be much appreciated.

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[AFJuvat]

I woulds confirm that grey RTV was the factory approved method of sealing it. Usually with RTV, the sealing surfaces have to be clean, dry, and oil free until the RTV sets up.

AFJuvat

[toolboy62]

another option would be to get some gasket paper, or better yet, a sheet of neoprene and spent 10 minutes with a razor blade and a cheap gasket punch set. There's nothing particularly magical about most pre-cut gaskets (I do say most, as there are some exceptions, like the VW steel core neoprene valve cover and oil pan gaskets which really are easier to use than roll-your-owns)

I suggest neoprene because if it is installed on a clean, dry surface it can be resued 3 or 4 times without replacement. Therefore if you're going to use it, either install without sealer or adhesive, or else glue it to one surface only (so it sticks to that surface next time you disassemble)

nate

[Wolf1]

Blackfoot: I would suggest using the RTV and no gasket material. It was designed this way and works well if used correctly. As AFJ said keeping both surface areas clean and dry are critical.

I personally would use the sealant available from your local GM dealer, it works much better than any other that I've seen. Hey, if it can keep a Chevy from leaking, it's got to be magic..

p.s......still need the 951 clutch lever...

[Blackfoot]

Thanks for the replies. The Neoprene idea sounds interesting, and I might try it if the RTV solution doesn't work.

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Cars + oil

[gearhead290]

Nissan does things for a reason. Remember, Nissan makes good stuff.

What engine is it in ur 7? I've heard of quite a few SRs showing up in them...

[Blackfoot]

It is a SR20DET red-top, putting out insane hp.

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