THRILLSEEKER

What are oil pan bolts supposed to be torqued to?

BadDog

Which gasket, cork or rubber? Usually they are torqued until the pan bends a bit and leaks between all the bolts, that is the way I see a lot of them.

THRILLSEEKER

cork.

BadDog

Merc Manual from 89, not sure if they used cork in 89 or not.

1/4 - 20 80 in. lbs.
5/16 - 18 165 in. lbs.

I would not tighten any more than what just barely deflects the pan. Watch it closely or use a straight edge. A softer gasket will take less torque. Each brand of cork gasket will compress differently. Take your pick on sealants.

JUSTONCE

I'd use rubber gaskets personally, Make sure you tighten them in a cross patern not in a row.

cheitman

Tighten them till they strip and then back a quarter turn! Actually, I use a nut -driver and tighten about as tight as I can in a cricc-cross pattern and usually have no leaks.

Infomaniac

Tighten until the gasket starts to push out and stop there.

formula31

Cast or stamped pan?

THRILLSEEKER

f31, its stamped