I have a 2000 camry 4cyl. that I have been fixing and I had to drop the oil pan. I used RTV to create a new gasket on it and installed it but it seams to be seeping at the drivers side edge (where there are no bolts). I have tried to tighten the bolts and it does not stop it. I got a cork gasket from RockAuto and did not use it because I read that toyotas don't use one. The drip is really small, one drip per 30min after driving, but the problem is that it drops right onto the exhaust so it smells. I am thinking about dropping the pan again, putting a thin layer of RTV, the cork gasket and then another thin layer of RTV, then install. I am putting the thin layer of RTV to fill any imperfections in the oil pan and the cork to seal it. What are your opinions on this? I am at a loss of what to do other than this. Any advice would help, thanks.

 

Doing this tonight, any opinions or advice on this. Any help would be great.
Thanks.

 

If using only RTV make sure to clean all surfaces of old material and oil, and clean metal contact areas with solvent. Apply RTV to pan to achieve a 3-5 mm width seal upon bolt tightening.

If using the cork seal follow same advice but apply less sealant as the cork is the main seal.

Don't over torque bolts 48 in-lbs. Follow cure time directions on sealant package. Don't add oil or start engine until cure time passes.

Use an oil resistant sealant after cure such as one of the Permatex RTV silicone gasket makers.

 

Thanks. I got the oil pan off, what a PITA and now cleaning off the old RTV. I don't see anywhere on the pan edge where it had leaked through. Now i am wondering if I need to look somewhere else higher up for the leak or not. i am going to still do the cork RTV sandwich to on the oil pan with only enough RTV to just cover the flange, as you stated the cork is the main seal. Thank you again Toyomoho. I probably should have just PMed you in the first place, you were the one who answered my earlier questions too.

 

The valve cover gasket can leak in the back. Make sure the large spark plug tube nuts are torqued to spec. 33 ft-lbs.