Hello Gentlemen,

Once again I have a mechanic 101 question for all of you.

Before I button things up I dry fit everything to make sure everything lines up, enough bolts etc. However- as I was dry fitting the oil pan gasket set it seemed that the thick gasket that fits in the front and rear main bearing cap (no, I don’t mean the oil seal) seemed too snug. So I called the part supplier to ask them what I should use to make it easier to install the gasket. They said to soak the gasket in oil. So I did. Now someone else (a shade tree like me) said that instead I should have soaked them in water? To me water on metal doesn’t sound right!

So I ask you (I should of in the beginning)- How should I install the other gaskets (such as pushrod cover, valve cover, and oil pan)? Should I put a film of oil on them before installation, install them with a coat of RTV (forget about removing with the gasket intact) or soak in water?

Thanks again!

Steve

Happy Holidays!

When a new old stock cork gasket has shrunk in size due to age, soak it in hot water and the gasket will usually go back to its original size.

The modern replacement gaskets tend to shrink less due to the fact that there is rubber/neoprene other mixed in with the cork. The end pan gaskets are a big problem due to the fact that the material is rather stiff or solid and not pre-bent to fit around the main bearing caps. I would first soak it in water to see if it soften and also pre bend the corks by taping them around a can or bottle for a day.
The original pre-curved all cork gaskets wol fit into the grove and stay in place very well. I would think tha soaking them in oil would cause them to expand if anything, making matters worse.
For the other gaskets I never use sealers or such. If necessary to hold them in place I used grease. Makes it much easier to clean up the next time.
I have used some 50 year old all cork gaskets that had shrunk almost an inch. Soaking in water for a few hours brings them reight back to size. This should not be necessary with new gaskets.

Thanks to all,

My snail pace is taking me closer to buttoning up the engine! I'll be sure to post another mechanics 101 soon!