1RMDave

I can't believe no one has mentioned the tiny steel washers that stay behind when you tear an old gasket off. They stay on the studs and can be hard to detect. I've seen many new gaskets leak because this was overlooked.

shovelhead_chop

I just took time to read thread, & I agree that too much sealer was used initially, however I am a believer in using sealer all around gasket on both sides, but I also dont believe in the silicones that are so prevailant nowdays, I like a tiny bead all around roughly center of gasket, & usually go to inside of bolt holes when possible, & I will do oil pan first, drop gasket in place, then do gasket, & tap with finger to hold in place & install. I like a bead about the sixe of a small round toothpick, with a tiny smear in each corner of block on transition area where flat surface goes to round or other shape.

I use permatex#2 or variants, non hardnening, been using it for 30 years with success, & no intentions of changing. when silicones first came out, they were horrible, and were nootorious for getting into engines, and caused many problems, & I got to rebuild alot of engines that has clogged oil pump screens, & owners paid dealrly, with what looked like engines run without oil, & major scarring. also when the silicones came out they would mess up Oxygen Sensors, I know that has been corrected, but I still avoid, I have 1 partial tube of ultra copper & another of red, & both are close to 10 years old, I used a little of the copper on some ASBESTOS exhaust gaskets, yes you can still find that in some automotive circles, about 2 years ago, to help seal a warped exhaust manifold, & was suprised that I was able to use & it had not solidified in the tube. I used the red to make a couple of unobtainable gaskets for a couple of old vehicles

Night#hawk

I was positive my oil pan was leaking on my 1993 Del Sol but it turned out to be axle seals at manual transmission.

fleabag

OP should replace PCV valve if he hasn't already, that will blow out your seals if it's clogged.

tony_2018

Don't recall Honda's oil pan gasket having any steel o-rings.

tlarimer

iTrader: (3)

They are there, little metal spacers at each bolt location formed into the gasket, just dealt with those little bastards a few months ago on my 99 Lx

tony_2018

Oh I have a different oil pan thats why, but I see what your talking about.