Lower Master Gasket kit

[senorcarey]

Hi All,

I just received my lower master gasket kit and will be installing it this weekend. I do have a couple of questions:

1. Rear main seal is not leaking, neither is the rear cover gasket. Even if I have the parts, should I still replace these, or if it ain't broke, don't fix?

2. Is there any place that I should use sealant of any sort (oil pan gasket, front covers, etc.) and if so, what kind is preferred?

Thank you!

[devon.818]

no sealant.
if it aint broke dont fix it.
make sure the surfaces are cleaned before putting back together with a new gasket

[iamsam]

to go ahead and go against Devon, I would say use sealant for rubber gaskets, like oil pan, valve covers, etc. to cover iffy areas like joints and whatnot, esp in the timing case area.

Also, if you have easy access, def change all the seals you can, including rear main. Even if it isn't leaking, it will start leaking sooner than a brand new one will.

also, where does one purchase said "lower master gasket kit"?

[Jonsku]

Once you're there, it pays off to replace everything. Once they start leaking when everything is bolted on to the car, you'll be very pissed off..

Additional sealant, well to some corner areas maybe, but basically not required anywhere.

[Jean]

^ that

[bmwmech1]

Just remember that in order to change the rear main seal or the rear water jacket gasket, the motor has to come out and then be separated from the transmission and the flywheel removed to replace both of those items. Do it now, especially if you have the parts sitting on the bench to replace them. Also, as Jonsku and Jean reiterated, sealant on the seam and corners but none is needed elsewhere...

Garey

[iamsam]

Also, as Jonsku and Jean reiterated, sealant on the seam and corners but none is needed elsewhere...

Garey

hey now, don't leave me out! I mentioned it first!


;)

[iamsam]

whoa, 8k posts. and in the V8 section!

woohoo

[bmwmech1]

hey now, don't leave me out! I mentioned it first!


;)

Sorry man, I just quick scanned down through the posts and then posted... should have read them more thoroughly. Credit given where credit is due...

Garey