Best way to seel the oil pan

[shelbyturbo1989]

What is the best way to seal an oil pan? I don't want any leaks so I want to do it right the first time before I put the engine in the car. Do I use the one piece or 4 piece gasket? Black or gray RTV and where do I put it? Thanks for the help.

[tryingbe]

What year engine?

CLEAN, CLEAN, and CLEAN. Make sure all the old gasket material is gone, make sure the block and pan is free of oil. I ways like to put the gasket in between two VERY thin layer of black RTV.

[iTurbo]

On the commonblock engines ('89+), I've always used the four piece rubber gasket with no RTV and it's always worked great. The earlier motors use rubber end seals with a 1/8" bead of RTV down the sides of the pan.

[shelbyturbo1989]

The engine is spotless so cleanliness is not an issue. It's a common block, not sure on the year but it doesn't matter. I went on the Permatex website and it looks like the black RTV is the best choice. Any more suggestions on the 1 or 4 piece gaskets? I don't care that the one piece is more expensive, I just want it to seal the first time.

[tryingbe]

I like 1 piece.

[cawcislo]

Fel-Pro makes a one piece gasket. I'd just use a dab of silicone on the corners where the gasket goes over the seal housings. I've had one for about 3 years and it works good, no leaks.