I'm replacing gaskets on a 65 slant and noticed the tabs at the rear seal/oil pan are missing. Are these a necessary item. I didn't see any oil around the block just on the pan in a couple spots.
Almost, I pulled the pan off and the "L" piece that sits on the block isn't there. The seal cover is good but the little wedge part was missing off the block. I wasn't sure if its needed or I'm good with just the pan gasket
That L is what seals the rear seal holder to the block. It is needed. Best to get the rigth parts of course, but perhaps you can rig something similar in the groove and use black RTV to help seal it up.