Would pan gasket change be easy if in two pieces
 

I have not changed my gasket (not yet leaking) but I have read that the change is very involved. Would it be straight forward if the cork gasket was in two pieces?
If so, has anyone tried it?

how would it seal? It hardly does it in one pices right now. I don't think you'd buy anything at all with a 2-piece gasket because a one-piece can go where a 2-piece could under all circumstances. it's just a big cork lasso.

It can be done by cutting the gasket ..... and this has held for ~3 years without a drip.
However, it you have a newer car with the tube type oil pickup ( vs the built in screen on the early 16v motors), the same method can be used to loop a gasket under the tube without cutting the gasket .... or snaking your arm in to unbolt ( whoops - dropped the 'effin bolt :rolleyes: ) the tube. :)

Famously, that gasket wants to push outward from the block and pan halves - sorta like a hamburger in a bun. IMO, attempting to cut the gasket would just about guarantee failure.

I did remember someone(s) had done it. Good to know it's working out well for you. I get a bit anal about such things, and would likely be a bit paranoid (frequent checking and otherwise fretting a bit). More of a mental thing than anything else.

The good thing is that there is zero pressure on this gasket - so as long as they are not over torqued, the glued gasket will be stable.

From one of my early careers in nuclear/chemical industry, it is common practice to cut and end glue O-rings in place for pressurized ancillary services.

You didn't work for NASA by any chance, did you? :icon501:

Just kidding. It just seems counterintuitive to put a crease in a gasket that's got a bolt every 3 inches in an effort to maintain even seal/pressure.

I have considered snaking it around everything to see if it would work, but not cutting it.

Yes, I have thought that woud be an easier approach; the "new" gaskets are relatively flexible.

Marton

This works for O-rings .
Basically the same for flat gaskets .... cut for max surface area and butt splice to not increase gasket thickness - no crease involved.
On your '85, I would snake the gasket under the pick-up: cannot do that on earlier cars ....

Why not just fit the oil pan through the big hole in the gasket?

NJ - it that a real short wheel version of the 928? neato.

On the pan gasket seperation, can we utilize the a similar method as surgeon's for tendon repair, split, cut, interwoven, and obviously not stitched. Simplicstically, you know kind of like 2 L's placed together to accomodate for the pressure on mounting and still maintain a good seal?

Now there's an idea -- Should definitely work with a RealGasket, though doing it with a cork gasket might be a bit more challenging. Too easy to break at one of the bolt holes...

There is no need to cut the gasket as there is no need for a cork gasket anymore.
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-forum/237875-first-928-oil-pan-sealed-with-gasket-from-realgasket.html

Pan can stay below the motor with the snorkel attached, easy enough...

The top of my X-member was not surgically clean .... so I would hesitate to drag a gasket through there; however, it is a good idea! :)

One's member must be kept clean.