Fixing my oil dredger

[Prixer97]

Well pretty sure my 3.8 is leaking oil from every possible seal/gasket. I'm hoping to get some tips and suggestions on gasket brands (namely Felpro/Delco) and any other parts I should consider replacing while I'm in there or tools to make said job easier. From what I can tell, my valve cover gaskets are leaking for sure (rear mostly), and possibly pan gasket, my coolant has pretty good amount of sludge so LIM or head gasket as well. Have some blow-by but thats for another day. Cant really confirm the oil pan leak but I plan to change all motor/trans mounts to poly pieces anyway, so I figure opportune time since its a PITA. I also need a water pump since it too has a bit of play. Then I figured I should probably do the timing cover gasket, main seal (SKF), as well as timing set. Car has 165K so oil pump as well.. Cant decide on gear set, dont know if I dare chance Ultra power lol. Dont know the difference between the solid cam sprockets vs machined (holes), is holes=cast solid=steal? Typically I go comp or cloyes. Im trying to make my dollar count but not sacrifice quality.



My questions..

1) Do I even consider Felpro? I've used felpro on other projects w/o issue but when its GM I usually favor Delco unless its a non revised/improved part. Is there any other brands to consider (zzp,victor)?

2) What else am I gonna need or should I consider/inspect? Injector seals etc

3) I read that people use RTV on the pan gasket, is this really necessary, is the gasket reusable w/o rtv, do you let it set up a bit b4 tightening? Other then the corners of the LIM rails where else might I need RTV? Should I use ultra grey?

4) Does my intake and/or block have locating holes for rail gasket?

5) Should I have my cooling system flushed? (fear plugged htr core, reverse flush but still)


Parts list

Valve cover
ACDELCO 24503937 $18.68
FEL-PRO VS50465R $18.30

UIM
FEL-PRO MS95744 $7.97

LIM
ACDELCO 89017825 $44.99
FEL-PRO MS98014T $50.79

Timing cover
FEL-PRO TCS45971 $5.81 (incl main, water/oil pump, misc o rings)
ACDELCO 12587003 $9.08 (cover gasket only)

Main seal
SKF 19387 $18.00 (chicago rawhide)

Timing set
ULTRA-POWER C3214 $26.79
DNJ ENGINE COMPONENTS TK3182 $42.79 (inc damper/tensioner)
SEALED POWER KT3381SA2 $70.99
CLOYES C3215 $81.79
MAHLE / CLEVITE 93215 $96.79

Tensioner ACDELCO 24503893 $19.90

Oil pump kit
SEALED POWER 22453572 $33.89
DNJ OPK3143 $38.89

Pan gasket
FEL-PRO OS30767R $31.79
ACDELCO 12587964 $63.79

Water pump
ACDELCO 252693 $24.79 (aftermarket design)
ACDELCO 251718 $87.89

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[Scottydoggs]

pull the engine out for all this, then get a lower conversion gasket kit, its the front of the engine and rear cover, pan, seals, water pump, timing cover for like 30 bucks, off rockauto.

then the metal magnum lim gasket kit for like 30 bucks off rockauto. its got injector o rings t stat gasket sc o rings elbow o rings and a tube of rtv.

the pan gasket you need to to rtv the block, and the pan, then put the gasket in the middle of a rtv sandwich. or it could leak again.

take the oil sensor out the pan before you take the pan off, or it will break for you.

 

[Prixer97]

pull the engine out for all this, then get a lower conversion gasket kit, its the front of the engine and rear cover, pan, seals, water pump, timing cover for like 30 bucks, off rockauto.

then the metal magnum lim gasket kit for like 30 bucks off rockauto. its got injector o rings t stat gasket sc o rings elbow o rings and a tube of rtv.

the pan gasket you need to to rtv the block, and the pan, then put the gasket in the middle of a rtv sandwich. or it could leak again.

take the oil sensor out the pan before you take the pan off, or it will break for you.

Probably not a bad idea removing the motor. I just realized the rear main is a one piece and doesnt require removing the crank. I also didnt know how prone the rear covers are for leaking. Ive never pulled a transfers motor or any EFI motor period, so its a fear of the unknown lol. Only thing then, is I have to fight with exhaust bolts and cooler lines, all the sensors, etc, but Would make for a easier and thorough job. At that point Id rather just rebuild the motor, but thats out of the budget atm. Do you got a link to the conversion gasket kit?

 

[Scottydoggs]

valve covers can leak also, i use felpros with new grommets.

the whole deal is much easier to re gasket engine out, bust your crank bolt free before the engine comes out. in case you need to red neck starter it off.

and you get to clean it up real good and paint it if you want.

good time to install headers or a cam or new springs rockers and so on while it out too.

with i had more time with mine out, i would have cleaned and painted the engine bay up.


and once the harness is off the top of the engine its just nuts and bolts like any old school engine.