Hi all, this Easter I replaced the leaking oil sensor on my SRT6. The oil pan resealed nicely, which made me happy as I continue to expand the work I do myself on the car. But the new sensor is still leaking when driving (not when idling).
On reflection, I did not spend quality time checking or cleaning the area where the sensor bolts to the upper pan. That's frustrating.
My question is, when I do it all again (just not yet!), I want to make sure the darn thing seals. Would it be okay to put a bead of RTV on the part of the plastic sensor bracket that presses up against the inside of the upper pan?

 

I don't know if that would work or not.
When I did mine, I made sure that everything was completely clean.
I might be doing mine over again because I think I have a faulty sensor.

 

In general most RTV sealant compounds are silcone based and do not bond to all materials. This is especially true with some non-metallic materials i.e.polyethylene, teflon, etc. It is important that the mutual surfaces to be sealed are clean and free of oil. Brake cleaner or alcohol are good solvents to use before applying the RTV. If the sealing aplication involves high pressure it is important to let the RTV fully cure before applying pressure. RTV is the acronym for room temperature vulcanizing. Complete curing of these sealants usually requires at minimum 12-24 hours. There are applications where non-hardening type sealants perform better than the RTV type.