I've had my taco plate off 3 times attempting to stem the oil leak. Each time I have used new crush washers and the paper gasket. Should the rubber O-ring be replaced each time it comes apart? One of the bolt holes is helicoiled if that means anything. I have all of Jake's Curil and locktite sealants. Which one should I be using? I spoke w/ Ron aka Slits and he recommended using studs vs bolts and to check the plate for level. Any other tips. This is my last oil leak to repair (out of 2 914's) and it is besting me. Any tips/tricks or similar experiences???

As I recall, I used some type of gasket sealer on the paper gasket. On the o-ring, I only coated it with engine oil. My guess is the plate isn't perfectly flat or the surface of the plate or engine case is imperfect where the o-ring makes contact.

Here's what mine looked like prior to installing it.

Click to view attachment

Take a look at this thread

A million thank you's, Ed. That is exactly the kind of info that I needed.

.......From my experience 76- 914.....this is it!!

I think I got it. At least it is holding after a 45 min run this AM and it's been holding all day. The cover piece was slightly warped. I straightened it, cleaned it, threw the paper gasket in the trash and used some Locktite red gasket maker around the bolt holes and some around the now used crush washers. I now have 2 914's that haven't leaked in several hoiur's.

but... how do you know where you parked them the last time with no puddle?