Dang, I hate it when I do that.

Depending on vehicle, you need to be on TDC no1 or 6 cyl. Glue the cork gasket to the pan with contact cement  [make sure the pan is straight] use a small amount of grease or non hardening sealant on the surface top meet the block if you wish, use some RTV in just the area where it meets the split in the timing cover / block and at the rear , you will see. Use a small amount of oil on the tube when your offering it up and into the jamb nut opening with the large O ring seal in it . DONT over tighten the nut! Just keep checking it after a run , if you have oil pressure problems you maybe sucking air from there. As Charlie said you'll get a feel for the pan bolts , don't need to be overly tight.



"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"

The correct washer is the one that seals.  I would prefer the white one, which is probably nylon.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I don't see a picture.

The pan bolts are 5/16, which is usually about 12-15 ftlbs.  However, you do not want to simply torque the oil pan bolts.  If you do that, the gasket can squish out and ruin the seal.  Watch the gasket as you tighten the bolts.  If you can't get to the recommended torque, it will probably be ok.  Check them after a good drive to make sure they are not coming loose.

The oil pump should not be in the way.  Make sure your pan is not bent or damaged in some way, preventing easy installation.
The pump seal will probably be ok.  Watch for leaks to be sure.


Lawrenceville, GA

I have two different washers that were supposedly for the oil pan plug. One is a hard white plastic washer that fits fairly snug to the shaft of the plug. The other is a black rubber washer that fits less snug (see picture). Which one is the correct one? Also, how tight should I tighten the plug?

Last, what is the correct torque setting for the oil pan bolts. I want to be sure I don't over-tighten them. Is 50 inch pounds about right?

I was surprised when the lip of the oil pan hit the oil pump, making it difficult to line up all the holes to get the bolts installed. I almost gave up, but finally got the last bolt in by loosening the bolts on the oil pump and removing all the other oil pan bolts and lifting the pan up to get the problem bolt started. Will the seal on the oil pump be OK after re-tightening the bolts? I don't think it ever moved. I only put the oil pan nuts in by hand, so I hope it will seal fine after tightening them down?