Oil cooler block-off plate, among other leaks

[LionsGuy]

Hey guys, well my ride is a oily mess underneath and i know its probably a few different things, but I am going to start with the oil cooler block-off plate.

Questions I have.

1.Can I change this without changing oil?
2. What are torque specs for 2 10mm bolts?
3. Can I just use the gasket and no RTV?
4. If RTV is needed how and where to apply?

Also other leaks. On the other side of the pan on the starter there is oil, not on top of it but bottom of it. What could it be? Also I'm sure i have a bad pan gasket but is there any way it could have seeped on the starter, or my worst fear in the Rear Main.

Cam sensor, and Oil pressure sensor will be changed in the spring with my Manifold gasket swap as added info.

Oil seems to leak most when just driven, not when just sitting for awhile.

Thank you

 

[nick0789]

Block off plate:

1. Yes, though be prepared to lose like 1/4 qt so have something to catch it.
2. 80 INCH pound
3. Yes, though I used RTV only instead of a gasket because I thought my block off plate was not flat.
4. If you use it (black RTV) like I did, I went all the way around the bolt holes and around the perimeter of the plate. If you have the block off plate with two circles instead then go around those two but I would caution against using RTV in that case in the event that it gets broken off and sucked into the port(s) that plate is supposed to be covering.

 

[LionsGuy]

1. Yes, though be prepared to lose like 1/4 qt so have something to catch it.
2. 80 INCH pound
3. Yes, though I used RTV only instead of a gasket because I thought my block off plate was not flat.
4. If you use it (black RTV) like I did, I went all the way around the bolt holes and around the perimeter of the plate. If you have the block off plate with two circles instead then go around those two but I would caution against using RTV in that case in the event that it gets broken off and sucked into the port(s) that plate is supposed to be covering.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, for that. It’s a simple job that I hope takes away a good chunk of this leaking. To note I bought both the regular port and dual port gasket. Was not sure which exact one would fit for me, given Rock Auto suggests both. No biggie since they are cheap as dirt.

 

[nick0789]

Good call on the gaskets. Your block off plate will tell you which gasket (as well as the gasket you take off lol) to use.

Resealing mine took away a fair amount of leaking, but I think I have the oil pan gasket leaking as well, and probably the rear main. Oh well, at this point I'll just keep topping it off with fresh oil as needed until it gets bad enough to leave a puddle underneath.

 

[Merc1973]

Thanks. I just did this. Super easy. The gasket is all metal now (AC Delco) Thanks for posting the torque spec!

 

[SnowDrifter]

Correction on the torque spec: It's 106 inch pounds.

New gasket design is all metal, like a crush washer.

If you have an oil cooler, get the one with 2 circles. If you have the blockoff plate, get the one with the big oval

RTV is neither required nor desired for this. Just ensure that the mating surfaces are flat and smooth. You can take a fresh razor blade and gently scrape away any residue to prep the surfaces. I don't like to use a whizzy wheel on anything that's a machined fit as it can change clearances just enough that the thing doesn't seal up right. If you really are having trouble cleaning it, some sand paper adhered to glass will give a good surface to lap it on. Don't go any higher than 300 grit - you want a bit of surface roughness.

 

[nick0789]

Thanks for the torque spec update, Chris!

I had been reading 80 in-lbs when I originally changed mine --> I suppose this was the original torque spec for the o ring style gasket and not the new crush style?

 

[SnowDrifter]

Thanks for the torque spec update, Chris!

I had been reading 80 in-lbs when I originally changed mine --> I suppose this was the original torque spec for the o ring style gasket and not the new crush style?

Not sure. This one's right out of the service manual and what I used for mine. No leaks and I have the metal gasket

 

[SnowDrifter]

OK so this tweaked me

I found one post that says 80 inlb. Cross referenced that and the only thing I could find was what seemed to be a low level spec manual for a 2008 H3. That specs 80. Why? I don't know. Will peek more at it tomorrow. It's 430 am here and I need my beauty sleep

https://www.google.com/url?q=https:...FjAAegQIBRAB&usg=AOvVaw2gY4R6792tErPyOtksymtX