The Dreaded 3.0 Oil Pan Gasket Change

[Fifty150hs]

I recently changed my leaking OFHG with a Viton available from ECS. I've been poking around but haven't found a Viton option for the OPG. Anyone know if there is such a thing? I've had a very slight leak for a long time, just enough to mist oil on the pan, but no drips. It recently started dripping. I'm dreading this job and I'd like to make sure I don't have to do it again.

[X5chemist]

The metal encapsulated gasket will work. I did my OFHG a month ago. My secret on seals is to use Form-A-Gasket sealer. I use it so gaskets don't move around. Gasket movement contributes to them blowing out. It's really tacky stuff.

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

I recently changed my leaking OFHG with a Viton available from ECS. I've been poking around but haven't found a Viton option for the OPG. Anyone know if there is such a thing? I've had a very slight leak for a long time, just enough to mist oil on the pan, but no drips. It recently started dripping. I'm dreading this job and I'd like to make sure I don't have to do it again.

Just replace it with a Genuine BMW gasket. That's what I did, I mean it lasted me over 150,000 miles before it started leaking so why change the recipe?

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

The metal encapsulated gasket will work. I did my OFHG a month ago. My secret on seals is to use Form-A-Gasket sealer. I use it so gaskets don't move around. Gasket movement contributes to them blowing out. It's really tacky stuff.

It calls for forma-a-gasket type material at the parting lines. Is that enough to stick the gasket and keep it in place? Or do you coat the entire pan surface?

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by Overboost

Just replace it with a Genuine BMW gasket. That's what I did, I mean it lasted me over 150,000 miles before it started leaking so why change the recipe?

Makes sense, but they are making the OFHG in Viton which will last far, far longer than the stock BMW formula. If it's available in the pan gasket, why not use it? Since it seems like it's not, I'll go with the genuine BMW gasket.

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

Makes sense, but they are making the OFHG in Viton which will last far, far longer than the stock BMW formula. If it's available in the pan gasket, why not use it? Since it seems like it's not, I'll go with the genuine BMW gasket.

Best approach. Do you think you'll have this X 150,000 miles from now? One and done.

[X5chemist]

Use Form A Gasket on both sides. Especially on corners, splits, and bolt areas. Here's an example from a Benz C240 valve cover I fixed. I used a light layer all the way around. Even a little to hold the valve cover gasket in place. The gasket won't leak unless the cover gets loose or it's seriously blown out. On really difficult gaskets, I loosen up the part and dab the sealing surface and tighten the part back down.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by Overboost

Best approach. Do you think you'll have this X 150,000 miles from now? One and done.

100,000 maybe.

[Overboost]

Here is what mine looked like when I replaced it. Yours will probably be the same.

[X5chemist]

Wow! That's crazy! I better plan on doing mine when new front shafts are installed.