Question : Seal & Threadlock

[Jesster]

I'm still working on my timing chain cover in my spare time. (1998 Lumina 3100) I've got a couple of questions for re-assembly. Picture1 is of the seal that came out of the groove (picture 2); is this a needed rubber seal or can I just RTV the groove? If I need to use this seal, do I just clean it and put it back down or should I also put a light coat of RTV in the groove and extra on the ends to hold it in?

Next question, I usually use the medium thread locker to secure these types of medium sized nuts and bolts. The bolt under the coolant port nearest to the firewall (9 o'clock position) pokes into the coolant channel. Should I be using a thread sealant for this one bolt instead of thread locker; the coolant is mildly corrosive and I don't think the thread locker really seals.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

[Guest]

There's something not adding up here. The gasket for the oil pan should be all one piece, and very O-ring like. The seal you show a picture of looks like a genII style front oil pan seal.

If a bolt passes into a coolant passage, use thread sealer. I have never had a bolt back out using thread sealer.