Oil pan gasket question

[domano 68]

Trying to determine if my 69 350 engine has an oil pan gasket leak. Trying to understand how much oil is in the pan and how and when it could leak.

When resting would the oil level be above the interface of the pan and bottom of the engine? Or let me ask it this way, when resting would the oil level be above the top of the oil pan.

Which leads me to my next quesiton...When there is a leak at the oil pan gasket does it leak when driving or when driving and resting?

[BLT gmc]

The oil level is not above the gasket with the engine off. When running the rotating engine mass and the oil coming down from the valve train offer plenty of oil to cause a leak if the gaskets are hard, dried out, over tightened (oil pan is deformed- a lot like valve covers). I highly recommend spending the extra $ on the one piece oil pan gaskets. I use Fel-Pro, and am very pleased. Bruce

[hamjet]

No it should not be to the top edge of the pan.if you see leakage at the side gaskets its because of starting, stopping, and hanging corners. Then, bad gaskets, if you can snug them up a little fine. If they're already over tightened, the gaskets are squashed to the point of having to change them. the pan might be deformed at the bolt holes if overtightened also. if you're not sure if theres too much oil in the pan, change oil and filter, and add 5 qts. of oil, run for a minute to circulate oil through the new filter, and check your dip stick. if not correct, make a new mark. You can clean around the pan gasket area with carb cleaner and rag to see if its leaking and at what spot. Hope this helps... Boy, I spent so much time one finger typing, BLT snuck right in there..LOL

[domano 68]

Ok, thanks for the info.