gasket sealer for oil pan/timing cover 98 3.1

[jim68127]

Have the engine out of the car and on a stand. Need to replace the timing cover gasket so also need to do the oil pan. Is there a preferred gasket sealer for the folks on this site. I was going to buy the GM sealer that works in a caulking gun so I can get an even bead.

Also, how wide should the bead be? I have seen a couple of different references doing searches online that calls for a 1/4" both sides of the gasket. That seems like a lot of sealer. I have done oil pan gaskets on motors with stamped steel pans and applied a pretty small bead and never had a problem. This motor is going back in a malibu and to replace the gasket if it fails in the car sounds like a chore I would like to avoid. So any advice on a brand of sealer and width of sealer bead for timing cover as well as oil pan is appreciated.

[pocket-rocket]

Me personally, I've never had to use sealer on the pan or cover, just in the corners of the two end bearing caps. On the cover the only use I have for silicone is to hold the gasket in place.

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