i got a question about the plate that goes in between the oil pan and the engine. i have the timing cover off due to a coolant leak. i also replaced the timing set while i had it apart. i got the gasket kit that comes with the two small cork pieces, but the plate is no longer stuck down to the oil pan up their in the front. im worried that its gonna leak oil if i just put it back together. i dont know if i can lift that up a little bit and try to get some gasket sealer under their. Any ideas would be much appreciated. thanks.

 

I think the plate you're seeing is the old hardened gasket, or if its metal, the stiffener from inside a reusable gasket.

Either way, your best option is probably to trim it away so you can install the new bottom gasket that came with the kit.

 

Mine has a really thick plate between the oil pan and block. its thicker where the holes are to prevent from over tightening the bolts. it had a very thin gasket on each side. i can only trim the top side. The cork pieces that came in the kit are too thick. i just cleaned it really well and only used silicone. Hopfully it holds.