I was taking apart an 86 TA the other day as part of a cam swap and had a bit of trouble getting the timing chain cover off. Turns out the seal at the bottom of the cover was part of the oil pan gasket. I always thought that was a separate gasket (in fact, the replacement gaskets I got have that as a separate piece).

It's good rubber and appears to be in good shape. Any reason that I can't just coat it with motor oil and re-use it? And, any opinions as to whether that gasket is stock or not?

 

I don't know that gm used them from the factory. I get the impression someone had the pan off b4.

 

Hmmm... the car has approximately 10x,000 miles on it and he put about 70,000 of those on it.

When did GM start using RTV for the front and rear intake manifold seals instead of the china wall gaskets?

I'll tell you one thing though, no one has ever had the valve covers off. Those suckers were GLUED on...