ok i did a search but still need one question answered, do i need to use RTV or equivilent silicone sealant while installing my 5.3 pan, i bought a new gasket and if you are familiar with these parts they are an Aluminum gasket with rubber inner seal, so it looks to me like they will seal up perfect without any silicone but i could be wrong. thanks in advance

 

in the four corners where the pan/cover/block meet and thats it

 

1slow01z71 can you elaborate? pictures with a lil scribble on them possibly?

 

If you are looking at the side of the block, where the oil pan sticks out a little past the block and the timing chain cover is sitting on the part of the oil pan that is sticking out, that corner where ther oil pan, block and t-chain cover meet is where you put the RTV sealant. Same goes for the rear cover. You will see what I am talking about. If you still dont understand Ill see if I can dig up a pick out of my photobucket and circle the area for you.

 

ok i went out and looked should i apply it to the block, pan or both? and if it aint to much of a pain could you scribble on the photobucket for me? i hate doing things twice, thanks. blake

 

it really doesnt matter, just slather that **** on thick! I have to pull mine off now cuz i didnt use rtv. I had bought a new gasket and even checked with GM tech writeups. They said nothing about rtv or a tightening pattern.

 

I've had my oil pan on 3 different motors and used no rtv. No leaks either.

 

I had a leak on mine, luck of the draw I guess...

 

wait, farmer you mentioned tightening patteren is this important and if so what is it? and apply the rtv to the block, pan or both? or should i just go all the way around the pan then put down the gasket and then go all the way around the block?

 

I would put it on the oil pan gasket where it will seal that intersection we are talking about. Tighten the pan starting with middle bolt and its neighbor across the pan then tighten in a criss cross pattern. I forget the in-lb spec. Pick up a Haynes manual for your truck from autozone the best 20 bucks I have spent in a LONG time.