So, from the book of 10 ways to skin a cat, what is your choice? I'm sure there are all sorts of variables, but this has worked well for me.
I was taken back to my high school shop class this weekend while getting the oil pan ready to go back on to the block after 'desludgeing', cleaning, wire brushing & painting. Taking it down was a mild battle with all of the goop the previous person that did the job (tried to do) had spread all over both sides of the gasket. Along with a healthy dose of silicone chaser to try to correct their mistake.
Mr. Haney always said "Machined parts of the block are machined for a reason. Flat surfaces seal easily, so don't muck it up by applying all sorts of crap to that surface - AND it will be a pain later trying to clean up for the next guy that has to go back in there. Apply sealants to uneven, removable surfaces only and grease to machined surfaces. That way the block surface is easy to clean and the other side can be removed to be cleaned much easier."
The other kicker from the job below was discovering why the trunnion had the self lube feature installed. When I pulled the pan there was zero protrusion (actually short) of the pan end gaskets. The previous mechanic(?) thought the seal needed to be trimmed since it comes with 1/2" too much material. When it gets placed into position it doesn't look like it will work. In reality it squishes down all the way around creating a better seal. It only needs a thin strip of Ultra Black where the two meet.
After that run in all of the bolts finger tight plus one full turn and leave it alone for a day so the RTV can set up on the pan. Then finish the 'tightening' the next day. Never had an issue with this method.
What is your preferred application style?
I was taken back to my high school shop class this weekend while getting the oil pan ready to go back on to the block after 'desludgeing', cleaning, wire brushing & painting. Taking it down was a mild battle with all of the goop the previous person that did the job (tried to do) had spread all over both sides of the gasket. Along with a healthy dose of silicone chaser to try to correct their mistake.
Mr. Haney always said "Machined parts of the block are machined for a reason. Flat surfaces seal easily, so don't muck it up by applying all sorts of crap to that surface - AND it will be a pain later trying to clean up for the next guy that has to go back in there. Apply sealants to uneven, removable surfaces only and grease to machined surfaces. That way the block surface is easy to clean and the other side can be removed to be cleaned much easier."
The other kicker from the job below was discovering why the trunnion had the self lube feature installed. When I pulled the pan there was zero protrusion (actually short) of the pan end gaskets. The previous mechanic(?) thought the seal needed to be trimmed since it comes with 1/2" too much material. When it gets placed into position it doesn't look like it will work. In reality it squishes down all the way around creating a better seal. It only needs a thin strip of Ultra Black where the two meet.
After that run in all of the bolts finger tight plus one full turn and leave it alone for a day so the RTV can set up on the pan. Then finish the 'tightening' the next day. Never had an issue with this method.
What is your preferred application style?