I have a 5.9 L 12 valve Cummins which is leaking oil from the pan. I would prefer not having to lift the engine to replace the gasket. I presently have the pan dropped about 1 inch with all the bolts out and the old gasket off. The pan and block are clean of old gasket material and have been wiped down with a oil remover. I know that the oil pickup will severely interfere with installing a new gasket.

Qs - 1) Can I make a diagonal cut in the new gasket, position it on the pan and then use silicone or "form- a -gasket" under and over the cut after the gasket in in position?

2) Should I put a thin coat of silicone gasket material on both sides of the cut gasket prior to installing it or is there a possibility that the silicon if it dislodges could cause a problem?

3) Is there any way to " fish" the gasket under the oil take up tube etc. and then lift it into its proper position without cutting the gasket?

Any ideas and help would be appreciated!

I am a new member and I hope I have posted this in the correct location.

 

if you really don't want to lift the engine your gonna have to cut it and rtv the splice! Cummins has some really awesome stuff use it!

 

i wouldnt chance it, they leak easy enough as it is. ive seen new gaskets on fresh rebuilds leak. I always torque the pan bolts evenly, make sure everything is clean as possible and make sure the oil pan rails are not bent in any way and a little prayer doesnt hurt either haha. they suck to do as it is so I try to only have to do it once. if you dont want to jack the engine up you can go the other way and remove trans, clutch/flywheel or flexplate then remove the rear block plate and slide the pan out that way. either way is a pain but i wouldnt cut the gasket.

 

yeah.... do it the right way or suffer the consequences and have it leak