I recently replaced a leaky rear main seal and went ahead and replaced the oil pan gasket for a 3rd time. The oil pan gasket (hope it's not the rear main seal again) started leaking again after 2 days. I pulled it off this morning to find it was split around one of the bolt holes.

I made sure to torque the bolts correctly (12nM/9lb/ft) and in the correct order. While I was doing it, I noticed the gasket was squeezing out around the perimeter of the pan, especially around the bolt locations. I was worried I had set the torque wrench too high, but double checked and found out it was right.

Now my question. I set the torque wrench to 5 lb/ft and went through the bolts in the correct order. Then I went to the final torque value and went through them again. I then checked all the bolts again, and i was able to turn most of them them a little bit more to get them back to the correct torque. It seems like when I torque one correctly, then the next one, the first one loosens up a bit and I have to re-torque it.

Is this method over-tightening these bolts? DO I just need go through the bolts one time at final torque and leave it be?

BTW, this on a 93 ex coupe with the D16Z6 engine.

 

Im not quite sure if the Z6 needs sealant or not. I know Bseries doesnt need sealant, but Y8's do. so check that out for your z6