Oil pan gasket leak Cat 3208NA

[Strayhound]

Hi, I have found a steady drip in right rear corner of the oil pan. It appears to be coming from between the pan and the bottom of the engine. I have replaced the gasket twice; Once with a rubber gasket and the second time with cork. I applied sealant the second time but to no avail. The drip occurs every 10 seconds or so. Not only does it make a huge mess underneath, I'm losing a quart every 200 miles or so. Any suggestions on how to stop this leak?

[DTW1086@cox.net]

John,
Have you checked to see if the edge of the pan is distorted from being over tightened in the past?
Also,are you positive the leak is from the pan and not maybe from something higher up on the block? Maybe even a valve cover gasket.
Dave

[Strayhound]

I'm positive the leak is from the pan/gasket area. It's easily seen. It forms and drip about every 10 seconds. The pan appears to be in good shape and both surfaces are clean and free of debris from old gaskets, sealant. If it is bent, it is ever so slight. Does it help to put more sealant on gasket and oil pan itself before installing?

[Bruce]

Have you checked the pan surface for straightness ( is that a word?)? You need to check it with a straight edge. Are you overtightening the pan? I don't know the torque spec but oil pans are usually minimal.

[78bbird]

After checking all else and you are sure it needs A sealer. I had a radiator block off plate I sanded flate, did all I could do, needed to get it fixed right now (NAPA here is the last place I would go) They sold me a sealer I think was called "Right Stuff" user by Toyota Co. It worked!

[Dan & Cindy]

You might also want to check the casting for a crack in the area where you are observing the leak. McMaster Carr sells a complete kit with two containers of cleaner, dye and developer, http://www.mcmaster.com/#dye-penetra...n-kits/=cx5s1x. You can also order a can of each for about $38.

[bwinter1946]

Originally Posted by 78bbird

needed to get it fixed right now (NAPA here is the last place I would go) They sold me a sealer I think was called "Right Stuff" user by Toyota Co. It worked!

X2, I have used that "Right Stuff" and it works!! I was having an issue and asked for the best sealer they had and that is what they sold me. Works great on Jeep transfer gearboxes.

[78bbird]

Brad how did you know my Willys t-case was leaking? "it's a Jeep thing"

[bwinter1946]

Originally Posted by 78bbird

Brad how did you know my Willys t-case was leaking? "it's a Jeep thing"

Mine doesn't anymore!!

[Strayhound]

I replaced the gasket again this morning with sealer sold by Caterpillar. The leak returned in the same spot. Upon closer examination I could see oil weeping from the joint between the engine and the flywheel. The good news is I found the leak. The bad news is this is a major repair that requires the transmission to be pulled and the flywheel gasket and real oil seal gasket to be replaced. Hopefully this will put this old Bird back into top flight condition.

Thanks to everyone who responded with suggestions. I'll let you know how the repair goes. Taking it to the Empire Cat dealer in Phoenix.