Hello all.

I took my car into the shop to get the oil pan gasket replaced.
I get the car back and there is a leak from the oil pan gasket, so I send it back to the shop.
The car has been back to the shop 3 times for the same issue!!! First 2 times they used an aftermarket gasket and the third time they used Honda OEM.
Does anyone know what could possibly be the issue here? Does anyone know what the torque specs for the oil pan are? The mechanic said that he hasn't over-torqued, so what could be causing the gasket to leak?

Thanks in advance.

 

Over-tightening a steel oil pan even once will bend the edge and it will not make a good seal. If you have an aluminum oil pan, it could be cracked.

But is it really leaking from the pan gasket to begin with? It could be from the valve cover, VTEC valve, distributor, oil filter and switch, or crank seal(s). Oil from these common leak points will typically all collect eventually at the bottom of the pan. Clean all the oil off and then look closely for where it first reappears. UV dye can also be used to help find oil leaks.

 

Thanks for the reply.

It's definately coming from the Oil pan gasket.
When removed, the gaskets look torn or blown.

The mechanic claims he has not over torqued, but I'm starting to get the feeling that they may have somehow damaged the oil pan, or marred the sealing surface when they removed the pan/gasket initially.

Would there be any other reason why an oil pan gasket would leak on 3 different occasions after replacing with a new one?

Is this job really that complicated? According to my Haynes it shouldn't be!!

 

If it's a steel pan, the top surface must be flat except for the intentional groove. Over-tightening the bolts will dent it up around the bolt holes. This can possibly be hammered back down, or replace the pan.