Reusing gaskets?

canoetrpr · Mar 9, 2009

I just pulled my oil pan from my L3400 and was over to borrow something from my neighbour when he pointed out normally one replaces gaskets when you take things on your engine apart.

He suggested that alternatively I could use some 'gasket goo' and re-use the gasket.

Not having much experience with much mechanical I had no idea and I figured that the gasket would be fine. The gasket is still attached to the engine - it did not come off with the oil pan. It looks perfectly fine as best I can tell from under the tractor.

I was going to just put a film of oil on it - as I do with a oil filter - before putting it back on.

Being mechanically naive, I would appreciate if anybody has any thoughts on this. I DON'T want this to leak once I get it back together. If the general consensus is that gaskets should always be replaced, that is what I will do. Should I always use some 'gasket goo' stuff when putting pieces like this back together, or is a film of oil good enough?

Hooked_on_HP · Mar 9, 2009

I would replace the gasket if it is paper and readily available. If not reuse the old one.If is rubber put it back together On paper gaskets I use 3M weather strip adheasive.
Bill

canoetrpr · Mar 9, 2009

I'm quite sure that this guy is rubber. I can feel it and it sure as heck is not paper thin. I would have to pry it off the engine with a blade or something to take it off.

Matt_Jr · Mar 9, 2009

If the gasket is rubber DO NOT use any silicone adhesive or sealent of any kind. Just wipe it down and install the pan DRY. If it's cork or fibrous I would use a new one. Another option is remove the old one and use RTV. I like the copper RTV 'cause in the automotive and truck field it seems to hold up the best. A few of my coworkers like to use weatherstripping adhesive. If you choose to install a new gasket put a small amount of RTV where the timing cover and engine come together and any other place where there may be two metal pieces coming together(some rear mains). Good luck.

Soundguy · Mar 10, 2009

Ditto what the others said.. rubber -may- be reused.. but IMHO.. I'd repalce it just because...

paper and cork.. always replace...

soundguy

3RRL · Mar 10, 2009

Another vote that you can reuse the rubber gaskets.
I would check that it is still flexible and resilient ... not hardened up though. If it is, then replace it.
You can get gasket material in sheets at Napa or like Automotive store so you can make your own paper or cork gaskets. That's what I do for my Kama. They have a variety of gasket materials to choose from. A good automotive mechanic or knowledgeable clerk can assist you with what gasket material to get for your application and also what kind of sealer (if any) is to be used. I think they have rubber sheets too, but I've never asked them for that.
Rob-

canoetrpr · Mar 10, 2009

Right now the gasket is stuck to the engine. I expected it to fall off with the oil pan.

As it sits it is perfectly positioned. If I was to remove it to inspect, I would probably just replace.

Any tips on getting the gasket aligned properly on the oil pan if I take it off and replace. I figured if I could use sealant, I could position it and it would stay in place while I torqued the bolts. Doubt it will dry.

Interstingly enough the parts guy at the Kubota dealer suggested using automotive silicone and reusing the existing gasket. Does not sound like his silicone advice was correct tho.

I'm sorry these questions are probably terribly basic. On the bright side, I get to learn all this stuff so it makes up for my stupidity in stripping my oil pan threads.

Hooked_on_HP · Mar 10, 2009

If you replace the gasket glue it to the pan. Put a couple of bolts through the holes to hold it in place while the sealant gets tacky. Then install the pan. Do not use silicone with a rubber gasket.
Bill

canoetrpr · Mar 10, 2009

Hooked_on_hp, did you say glue? What sort of glue are we talking here?

Best I can tell it looks like rubber to me. It sure as heck isn't paper or cork. If it is not rubber, not sure what it could be.