I noticed the 2 bolts that thread into the rear main seal retainer are actually small studs with nuts instead of bolts as used in all other holes to hold the oil pan to the block.Just wondered why studs instead of bolts?Anyone know why?

  

I would assume that with bolts being removed and refitted over the years that fixed studs would prevent causing the  threads in the aluminum seal retainer to wear and be sloppy and also help prevent oil running past worn threads. I think we all  know how easy a worn thread in aluminum can be stripped by a steel bolt and a little too much tension.  regards bill.

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

The oil pan bolt holes in the rear main seal retainer are open to the crankcase and studs with sealer on the threads prevents oil weepage past the threads.  The use of bolts without adequate sealer in these two holes can cause an oil leak that many times is blamed on the rear main seal.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I find them to be a BIG help when trying to one hand install the oil pan under the car ! I always go for the studs first then a front bolt.

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Whoa! I never ealized that! Ill bet that's my problem. What kind of sealer do I need to get?

Thanks!!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

What Ted said about why the studs are used makes sense to me.The studs actually have a little shoulder that separates the 2 sets of threads.Using sealer and the shoulder would stop oil from travelling down the threads which is what would happen if bolts were used.Ask a question and someone usually has the answer.Thanks Ted.

  

I might be remembering wrong but aren't other holes along the pan rail open to the crankcase? I thought they might have been used to prevent the retainer from getting stripped.


Lawrenceville, GA

Charlie:

The holes in the block are all blind holes.  The ones in the timing cover are drilled through, but they are not within the crankcase.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

So I wonder if i can just thread in regular studs w/ a sealer vs. trying to find the right shouldered studs, drop the pan to install, etc?  Cant i just put some sealer on a basic stud and thread it in?  Also, what type of sealer to use?  RTV or ???

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

They are regular studs.  What Mark referred to was the short unthreaded portion between the fine and course threads.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"