Oil Pan bolts

[MH9371B]

I am suspecting an oil leak around my oil pan gasket area. I wanted to try tightening up the bolts first. How many bolts are down there and does anyone know the torque? <br /><br />1995 3.0L Mercruiser

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Oil Pan bolts

Torque? You'll be lucky to reach them let alone read a torque wrench. Just snug them up and hope for the best. I find that torquing certain bolts is unnecessary wheras others are critical. I'd put pan bolts in the less important category. Evenly tight is all I go by down there.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Oil Pan bolts

MH,<br />First off ya gotta id the leak point. The oil could be running down from a higher point on the engine. That said, past experience tells me if the pan gasket is leaking it needs to be replaced. If you over torque the bolts you will warp the oil pan and ruin the gasket. It will "squeeze out" and possibly leak worse. Using a “mirror on a stick” (available at most auto parts stores) is a good way to get a look at what’s really going on down there. Good luck.