w123 oil pan bolt torquing question - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

chad300tdt · 06-03-2010, 06:24 PM

I'm getting ready to put the oil pan back on my 1985 300TD with a new gasket.

I've read that the bolts need to be torqued to:

Oil pan bolts 9-11 Nm (6-8 Ft Lbs 79-97 Inch Lb )

My torque wrench goes from 5-80 ft. lbs. in .5 lb increments.

Should I start at 6 and work a pattern around the pan tightening each bolt? Is there a recommended tightening pattern or do you just try to star pattern it the best you can like lug bolts and just keep tightening them up to 8 ft. lbs if there are leaks?

I may be making more out of this than I need to, but I would like to make sure I get a leak free oil pan on the first try.

The oil pan was a leaking mess prior to this and leaked heavily along the entire back straight edge.

**Ted L. Nancy** · 06-03-2010, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chad300tdt

Should I start at 6 and work a pattern around the pan tightening each bolt?

Yes.

Although, I've never used a torque wrench. As a precaution against a leak, you may consider brushing some Permatex brand Aviation sealant on the engine, oil pan, and both sides of your gasket. You don't need to apply it liberally, just a thin, covering layer. I have never needed to use this gunk on my oil pan gasket, but it has worked so well for me in stopping other leaks on my 123 and all my other cars that I'll probably just use it next time for good measure.

Generally, my tightening pattern would be sides, corners, and then everything in between.

chad300tdt · 06-03-2010, 08:19 PM

Thanks!

esidneyw · 07-12-2010, 05:40 PM

Hey I'm about to change the oil pan on my 84 280E and was wondering if you happened to use that Permatex brand Aviation sealant and if so how's everything holding up?

chad300tdt · 07-12-2010, 06:03 PM

I didn't use any sealant. I know of another MB owner that used sealant on the gasket and ended up redoing it without the sealant due to a leak.

I just finger tightened all the bolts, then torqued them to 6 ft. lbs. and then went around and torqued them to 8 ft. lbs.

No leaks so far.

esidneyw · 07-12-2010, 07:55 PM

Awesome! Thanks for the quick reply! Can't wait for an oil pan that doesn't leak!

esidneyw · 07-22-2010, 01:41 PM

What pan gasket did you use?

martureo · 07-22-2010, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esidneyw

Hey I'm about to change the oil pan on my 84 280E and was wondering if you happened to use that Permatex brand Aviation sealant and if so how's everything holding up?

I know it's expensive but if you really need to use a gasket sealer for the pan ask for Mercedes black RTV at the dealer. It comes in a medium size tube for $35 ($20 with MBCA discount!). The master techs I know swear by it if it isn't a trans seal.

esidneyw · 07-24-2010, 10:06 PM

Would the Permatex black RTV sealant work good enough? It's not from the dealership but it sounds like the same stuff. It's half the price too lol.