Replace oil pan gasket 3800

[Jeffrv]

This is somewhat of a continuation of my thread 'Spun rod bearing" but it is getting long and people don't need to scroll through at lot to get to the meat of the issue. If, however, the mods disagree, please feel free to adjust this thread as needed.
Still have that blasted oil leak, and if anything the spots on the driveway are getting bigger. Uses about a liter of oil every 3 or 4,000 KM. It is about due for an oil change, so will clean the engine thoroughly and confirm it is the oil pan gasket before diving in. I am, however, trying to prepare everything beforehand, so advice from others who have been there already being solicited.
It is a series 1 engine, which was all that was used in the 3800 in the U body platform. For 1995, GM produced both series 1 and 2 engines concurrently. The old and bearded parts guy at the local GM dealer remembers back in 1995 that some car lines used both series- 2 door models one series, 4 doors got the other. In addition, for 1995, even the series 1 engine uses some series 2 internals. Bless GM.
I do have a Fel Pro gasket, which says to put on dry. The GM manual says to apply a bit of sealer where the front timing cover and rear main bearing meet up. I cant seem to locate it, but I am given to believe GM may have revised the procedure to now use a bead of RTV around entire gasket, possibly on both sides? They have revised the sealer to be used, showing pn 88901148. GM dealer says they don't use that, way too expensive, but instead Permatex ' the Right Stuff" in black. They claim anything else will leak ( had used Ultra copper when I rebuilt engine)
Is there a way to get the gasket in place with the oil pickup screen still attached, or does it have to be removed to get gasket out, and similarly reinstalled once gasket set in position on block?
Jeff

[Blue Bowtie]

I don't recall specifically on my '95, but there should be a way to separate the pan from the case, work the gasket past the rear main, pull that slack forward toward the oil pump to clear the pan flange, then raise the pan to sneak the gasket out between the pan and cradle, allowing the rear portion of the gasket to then be removed as well.

[Jeffrv]

Thank you for the reply. Being curious, I opened the oil pan gasket/windage tray, and an oil screen pickup gasket is included, so I guess there is no way to tilt or turn the gasket to get it over the screen-I guess it has to be removed.
Fel pro included a warning with the gasket:
<<Contrary to the current installation procedures recommended by certain gasket suppliers, the gasket in this set DOES NOT require the use of RTV silicone sealant applied in a 1/4 inch bead on top of the existing beading on both sides of the gasket.
This gasket has a taller sealing bead on the oil pan side of the gasket to accommodate the uneven( rippled) sealing surfaces of the oil pan.
A small dab of RTV sealant is recommended only at the 4 corners joints on the engine block where rear bearing cap and front cover meet the gasket>>

I have not been able to locate the TSB, but I do recall it applied specifically to the 1995 U body with 3800 engine, and I seemed to recall is specified to put a bead of RTV on top and bottom of gasket, as a slightly uneven oil pan flange allowed leaks.

Wondering if anyone has success ( or failure !) going either way. For now I am leaning towards following Fel pros advice, if the yet to be performed inspection does indicate a failed oil pan gasket

[Blue Bowtie]

I put my '95 LeSabre together dry, except for the ends at the bearing caps. That was at 149K on the clock and in 2009.

It didn't leak at 228K when I sold it 7 years later, still running well.

[Jeffrv]

Blue Bowtie:
Thank you for the information, was exactly the type of response I was hoping for when I posted this thread.
Sounds like the way to go is to follow the Fel pro directions, as opposed to the TSB.
And yes, it is the oil pan gasket that is leaking. Might also be some leakage around the vicinity of the drivers side of the steering rack, but I guess that will be another thing to delve into ( having to top off power steering fluid on occasion)
Thanks
Jeff