Engine: Oil Pan Bolt Torque

[hawkbill47]

I have just attached the oil pan to my 289 rebuild using a paper gasket. The manual specifies 13-17 ft lbs torque. However at that torque the gasket appears crushed and the areas around the bolt holes are bent. I'm concerned I may have a potential leakage problem due to the crushed gasket. I'm considering adding a flat washer to each bolt to better distribute the load on the pan. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

[oilnsteel]

I have made drilled metal strips as doublers for all my cars. These help distribute the clamping load more evenly. I could make some more if there is enough interest. JT

[Commander Eddie]

I will be replacing the pan and timing cover gasket on my President 259 sometime this spring or summer and would be interested in obtaining a set of your drilled metal strips.

[hawkbill47]

Thanks for the input and the offer. It seems straight forward so I'm going to try and make a set.

Thank Again

[Jeffry Cassel]

That seems like a really good idea. I always tap out those dimples at the bolt holes. Reinforcing them would prevent 're-dimpleing'

[Jeffry Cassel]

That seems like a very good idea. I always tap those dimples at the bolt holes out flat but reinforcing them would distribute the force evenly. Always go back in a day or two and re-tighten the bolts--as you would cylinder head bolts. You will find some that are not not quite snug. If you tap the dimples out, always place a heavy steel 'dolly' on the outside flange to prevent deformation.

[altair]

Some oil pans have them built in.

[bensherb]

I also reinforced the flanges on my oil pan when I removed it t o replace the gasket and stop the MASSIVE oil leak from it. I just drilled a piece of 3/4" x 1/8" flat bar to match the pan bolt holes and welded it to the factory corner reinforcements.

I used "The Right Stuff" gasket sealer/maker on the gasket when I installed it.

It hasn't leaked a drop in 7 years!

[hawkbill47]

Thanks for the input and the pics. I'm going to make a set.

[Hawklover]

Speaking of oil pans, I have never seen a pan on an Avanti that was not pushed in on the bottom, from what I would think the replacement of motor mounts. Has anyone here actually seen a pan on a car that is perfect as the day the car was manufactured??

[StudeRich]

Sure, it comes with seeing and owning Hundreds of Studes.
And those of mine that are dented, Never get that way again by lifting the wrong place.

[Hawklover]

Rich sadly work was done on my Avanti over the years by those that just did the work with no thoughts as to what would constitute the correct way.......including some Studebaker "experts"