Ok so where are the gaskets?

[AnarchyX]

I just replaced the front crankshaft seal on my 2002 GMC Envoy and the mechanic told me the cover the oil seaped through had no gasket but that it is sealed with a sealant (silicone or something).

Are the other areas that have covers where oil goes, also sealed with sealants and not gaskets like older vehicles? Or is this the only place? Just wondering because I have no other leaks and the only leak I had wasn't because a gasket.

 

[yonyon]

This is a pretty common thing with modern engines. Anaerobic sealers are available that last a very long time when used appropriately in locations where thermal expansion or other issues don'tt pose a problem. Why come up with a gasket that's eventually going to leak if you have the option of using a liquid sealer that will outlast it?

 

[AnarchyX]

Cool! So no need to worry about high mileage conditioners then, right?

 

[Spazdog]

Back in the '80s, engine manufacturers decided to save money by using RTV sealant instead of cut gaskets.

Even though it was a controlled environment and there was no oil in the engine to contaminate the sealing surfaces, they still had leaks. They've gotten better at it though.

It was funny the first time I sold an "oil pan gasket kit" and when the customer opened the box, there was just a tube of RTV in it.

 

[carwreck]

Example...
Robot assembly applies a bead of silicone and installs the front cover, 4:21 in video (best viewed with the volume turned off)

 

[AnarchyX]

Very cool video. I wonder if this was shown to people with relatively newer cars would they still bother buying high mileage oil?

 

[another Todd]

Nice Video!