6-1 Gasket Shrinkage

Oil Pan / Valve Cover
All Models

BritCar ServiceLarge gaskets, that have been stored in a very dry area for a long period of time, can shrink. This is dependent on the material type, plain (untreated) cork and paper gaskets being particularly prone to this problem which manifests itself as the pan or valve cover gaskets being too short by as much as 3/8″, (10mm). This can be corrected by soaking in a pan of warm water for 1 – 2 hours allowing moisture to expand the gasket material. Allow surface moisture on
gaskets to dry before install, to avoid rust corrosion of metallic gasket faces.