GeoJD wrote:
I’m looking for recommendations on best practice for installing a new oil pan gasket. The steel part of the new gasket looks like it might already have a coating on it. Do they get installed dry? RTV? Copper coat?
I always use a light coat of either RTV or Hylomar.
On metal head gaskets I place a bead of Hylomar around all the water and oil passageways. Many metal gaskets have just got a coat of black paint on them. It breaks down as soon as the engine warms up. Hylomar doesnt go hard. It was designed for jet engines (Rolls Royce) so it should take the heat. Down in Australia you often have to purchase it direct from England.