leaking sump pan

[apexhunter]

I have a 4.2 Rover motor in my MGB.  The Oil pan/sump is leaking   ........  I did not build the motor but it looks like some kind of sealant was used maybe without a gasket?  Anyway, I wanted to ask for advice  .......  I plan to re-torque the entire pan  .......  is this a bad idea?  Am I asking for trouble as in more leakage? The leak is not huge but it certainly over time makes a mess of the underside.  And finally,  What would be the torque setting for these bolts?  

Alan Van Reed
Boston
79 MGB with Rover 4.2

[DiDueColpi]

Hi Allan,
Retorquing the oil pan is a bit of a crap shoot. If the gasket is broken the leak will get worse. If the pan has just loosened off it will improve. I suppose that the leak has to be remedied in any case so my vote is to retorque. The manual recommends 8 lbft. torque. If you end up removing the pan don't use a gasket to reinstall it. Use a good quality RTV gasket maker such as Permatex ultra grey. Take a straight edge to the pan and tap down any high spots with a hammer. Lay down a nice even layer of gasket maker, let it set up and have at her.

Cheers
Fred

[apexhunter]

Dear Fred,

Much Thanks for your response and advice  ......  the sealant that I see is grey in color  ....  so I suspect the right sealant was used   ....... I am going to give it a go ....

Happy Motoring !

Alan
Boston