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CanadaInside the Problem
Between 1989 and 2001, the Honda and Acura B-Series inline-4 engines were available in 1.6L, 1.7L, 1.8L and 2.0L displacements. Found in many vehicles on the road today and a popular engine swap for performance enthusiasts, this family of Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engines were the first to feature Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing system. As with any engine, leaks can develop as time and miles go by; the oil pan gasket is a common leak found on the B-Series engines.
In some instances, technicians may try to tighten the oil pan bolts to stop the leak. Instead, this makes matters worse, as the oil pan on these engines have raised dimples that are stamped in the flange to prevent over-compression of the gasket. By tightening the bolts beyond the original torque specification, these dimples may be crushed; this can further squeeze the gasket past its design limits or split the gasket, creating leak paths that worsen the problem.
The Solution: Fel-Pro® PermaDryPlus® Oil Pan Gaskets
Replace the problematic gasket with Fel-Pro’s OS 30630 T PermaDryPlus oil pan gasket. Unlike OE-style gaskets for these engines, the Fel-Pro gasket features a rigid, steel-core construction and built-in torque limiters that help eliminate overtightening and gasket splitting and extruding, even in cases when the flange dimples have been deformed.
Featuring a proprietary molded rubber design, the Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus oil pan gasket helps eliminate leak paths, especially in problem corner areas. The one-piece construction is easier to install than multi-piece assemblies and helps reduce the potential for installation errors.
Fel-Pro’s OS 30630 T PermaDryPlus oil pan gasket is an ideal solution for passenger vehicles and performance applications. It works well in high performance and turbocharged applications where oil temperatures and crankcase pressures are higher.
Installation Tips
SnapUps® Installation Aids
A simple and effective way to speed up the installation process, Fel-Pro oil pan SnapUps are included with each PermaDryPlus oil pan gasket. Simply thread them into the block where the oil pan bolts go, snap the oil pan gasket in place, then the pan itself, and start threading the bolts in. Once the oil pan is secure, the SnapUps are easily removed and are re-usable.
Advice for Removing the Old Gasket
The OE gasket has two compression limiters molded into it – they can be found only on the transmission side of the pan. When removing the old gasket, be sure to remove the limiters; if they’re left in place, the limiters built into the Fel-Pro gasket will stack on top of them and result in an oil leak. Be sure to inspect and remove them when cleaning the flanges.
Clean and Dry
The Fel-Pro OS 30630 T PermaDryPlus gasket should be installed on a clean and dry sealing surface with no sealers, adhesives or RTV applied to the gasket. However, please note there are four places on the engine block where RTV must be applied as a supplemental sealer: the two joints on the block created by the oil pump and the two joints created by the RMB retainer.
RTV is needed at these points because the components coming together creates a step or recess. A little bit of RTV will fill in these areas to help provide a reliable seal. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s torque sequence and torque specs, and recommendations for proper use of RTV.
Learn more about Fel-Pro quality gaskets that are specifically designed for the repair environment, find your car part, or find where to buy your auto part today.
The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.