Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I'm replacing the oil pan gasket and saw these two black rubbery thingies on the rear of the block. They do seem to compress a bit. Should I try to scrape them off or leave them alone? Here is a link to a picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/5P29wjGwe3w8DnXq8

Thanks.

Those are the seals for the #5 main bearing cap and IIRC are about 1 1/4 inches long with a metal core.
You might be able to tap them to be flush with the pan mounting surface, but keep in mind that they prevent oil from the crankcase from seeping onto the flywheel/clutch. You need to maintain a seal there.

Thanks Paul.

Can't view your image but if those seals are protruding into the sump gasket surface they need to be trimmed off to allow the sump to seal correctly.
My guess is that you may not be able to move them with tapping, but you never know.
If they have already "bottomed out", then the only solution is careful trimming.

Thanks Nissanman! Not sure what happened to the previous link but try this one.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/waqTNb5DGQCMCGRQ9

Yep, tap them if you like just to be sure, but otherwise they just need to be trimmed off flush with a sharp blade.

Mine are the same. Actually mine were sticking out more. It's easy to trim the rubber but the steel core is a bit of a pain to get flush. Next time I have the pan off I'm going to try dremel-ing it.

Thanks for all the replies.