Hi all -

Replacing the oil pan gasket and I ran into a question...This is a "Best Gasket" set purchased from Fusick - I already have an email in to Best Gasket but hoped maybe someone could chime in.

As you can see from the photos, the set includes 2 cork blocks that are intended to fit in the recess in the back of the block (see annotated photo).

Problem is, if I orient them vertically (Vertical Fitup photo), they fit in the recess but extend beyond the recess to where the intersection of the rubber and paper portions of the pan gasket would sit - and in my mind create a leak point.

If I orient them horizontally (Horizontal Fitup Photo) then the block won't physically fit into the recess and the hardness of the cork is such that I can't imagine I'm supposed to compress it in there..

So, the obvious solution would be to use the Vertical Fitup and trim off the excess, or am I missing something?


Recess in the block where the oil pan fits

Note the differences in the dimensions

Oriented horizontally the "Depth" would be flush with the pan mating surface but the cork is not easily compressed

This area mates to the surface at the bottom of the block recess and would not be an even flat surface if the cork protrudes as in the "Vertical Fitup" photo

Another view of the pan gaskets

In the veritcal fitup, the recess is filled but extends into what should be the flat, even mating surface where the pan mounts...should I trim???

 

Got an answer from Best

The “most of the time trimming isn’t required” makes me pause….

I’ll trim it and pay attention to those corners and
hope for the best

 

Put the cork pieces in vertically , as you have done in your last photo .
Do not trim anything , the cork is supposed to protrude to fill in the gap between pan corner and the block .
The cork will squeeze in there , assuring no gap .