So it's my first time working on the ls motors and I didn't realize how important the alignment of the pan was. When I pulled the motor to do a cam swap and replace all gaskets I ripped off the pan and the front cover. Now I realize how important it is and need some help with the reinstall. I've searched and I see some ppl saying front cover then oilpan and then I see some ppl saying pan then front cover. So what's the best way to do it without a leak. I know about the rtv in the corners and also installing the harmonic dampner to center the front cober

 

I put the front cover on loosely, then the pan loosely, then install the harmonic balancer.

use a straight edge on the bottom of the front cover and engine block and make sure the cover is level with the bottom, then center it left or right using the pulley as a guide.

once you have that then torque it down

next use a straight edge on the back of the engine block and the back of the oil pan and make sure its straight...

hope its not to hard to explain without pics

then add rtv to the 4 corners where the pan gaskets touch the front and rear cover gasket, theres a 1/8'' void, then torque the pan down

 

Yeah I understand. I had just read both ways and the way I did it doesn't seen it's going to work. I put the motor on a cherry picker. Installed the bell housing snugged it up then put the oilpan on and torqued it. When I went to out the front cover on it wouldn't sit down towards the oil pan far enough the bolts were off. I'll dismantle tonight and re do thanks

 

Happens when you "rip" things off, or "throw" things on........

 

thanks for the help man we need more people like you on here!

 

Make sure the oil pan is even with the back of the block. If it sticks out you can crack the pan when you tighten up your bell housing.

 

Got it all fastened up hopefully there is no leaks here's what I did.
Flipped the motor upside down on the stand
Cleaned the **** out of everything
Loosely installed timing cover
Installed new harmonic balancer
Straight edged timing cover with bottom of block
Torqued to spec
4 spots of "the right stuff" on the corners where all 3 meet
Loosely installed pan
While still upside down put engine on cherry picker
Installed bell housing
Torqued pan to spec
Fingers crossed for no leaks

 

Sounds like it will be fine, the RTV is what really helps..

The gaskets can shift a hair and be fine but as long as you seal the 1/8" gap where the front and rear gaskets touch the oil pan gasket you'll be fine..

 

Pan to edge of block is most important. I did pan first using the straight edge. Then put the front cover on. I had the alignment tool which ensured it went on straight.

 

Now I am fully aware about the alignment tool, and procedures. But I never had a issue I just installed the cover. Never checked anything with a straight edge. Never had leaks of any sort. Just my experience and I have a bunch.

 

If the trans is hooked up the straightedge isn't needed. That's just to keep the bellhousing from cracking the pan once bolted down.

 

This is true.
If it's done carefully, you get to reuse those wonderful, rubber-lined gaskets!