sump gasket

Gaskets, in general, are used as sealing and cushioning material, placed between two surfaces and joined by bolts. So, what is an oil gasket? As the definition above suggests, the oil pan gasket seals the area between the oil pan and the engine block to prevent oil leaks and keep oil out of areas it needn’t be. The type of gasket that is in your vehicle will depend on the material of your car’s oil pan. A pressed steel pan, for example, uses a formed rubber gasket while aluminum pans use some form of liquid silicone as a gasket. While the engine is running, oil flows through oil ports to lubricate components within the engine. The oil is housed in the oil pan, connected to the engine’s block, the oil pan gasket is what sits between the two. The seal the gasket creates allows for expansion and contraction from the heat produced by the engine. The cushion the gasket provides prevents damage from occurring due to vibrations the engine creates.

A sump gasket forms a solid seal between the sump pan and the engine block. A sump pan collects the excess engine oil when it's been pumped through the engine before it gets redistributed and goes around again. A damaged or worn sump gasket can cause engine oil to leak from the underside of your car.