Oil leak

timjuhl · Post by **timjuhl** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 10:05 am

I have a minor drip coming from the oil pan on my M38A1. I'm thinking of pulling the pan when I do the next oil change. Any recommendations as to what to use to seal the pan when it is reinstalled?

Some have suggested using silicone "Right Stuff" in lieu of a conventional gasket. I'd appreciate hearing what has worked for others.

Tim

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:29 pm

I always use RTV and a gasket, but I still get leaks

You definately have to take a hammer and vise and straighten (flatten) the bolt holes and flange, or you'll never stop te leak. Also, don't over tighten. When the gasket starts to pucker a little at the bolt, stop there.

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 5:45 pm

I've used 3 different kinds: silicone, VersaChem, permatex. Unfortunately they all seep after a while , hence my handle Oilleaker! John

Post by **wesk** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 8:28 pm

Silicon is not a choice I will make for applications involving lubricants. They are both slippery. Use Permatex gasket sealer or gasket maker on the pan side of the gasket and leave the bottom of the block dry and CLEAN. Use new lock washers and as mentioned above redimple all the pan bolt holes back down (outward) and don't overtighten the bolts.

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Wed Sep 19, 2012 8:20 am

As mentioned above you should check to make sure the flange and bolt holes are flat. I re-dimpled the bolt holes on my oil pan by setting the flange on a softwood block, positioning the ball on a ball-peen hammer over the hole and striking the hammer face with a plastic dead-blow mallet. You don't want to strike it with a metal hammer. Doesn't take a lot of force to coax it back into shape.

timjuhl · Post by **timjuhl** » Wed Sep 19, 2012 9:32 pm

I've been told that Jeeps don't leak, they just mark their territory......

I appreciate all te good advice. I think I'll be prepared when it is time to pull the pan.

BTW - I just got back from my first test drive since we put the Jeep back together (it's been down since November). The clutch needs a little adjustment and the carb (Solex) isn't quite right. It is very cold blooded, taking an unusually long time to warm up and get to the point where it will accelerate without hesitation.

Thanks again!
Tim

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Thu Sep 20, 2012 7:39 am

And if they stop leaking - they are out of oil!