40 oil pan install

[mcgarrett]

Originally Posted by KiWinUS

Why is it so important to soak them in oil overnight? I have built dozens of them and use the rope seals front and rear. I install seals dry then smear some assembly lube on them and crank on assembly as stated in post above with no leaks so after all these years what am I doing wrong?

All of the engine rebuilder books and articles I've ever read say to soak them in oil before installing. Every gasket kit I've seen has an instruction sheet that says the same thing. I've found the same instructions in Model A and Early V8 gasket sets. Just following trusted recommendations from people smarter than me!

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

All of the engine rebuilder books and articles I've ever read say to soak them in oil before installing. Every gasket kit I've seen has an instruction sheet that says the same thing. I've found the same instructions in Model A and Early V8 gasket sets. Just following trusted recommendations from people smarter than me!

55+ years of doing it wrong with zero issues and I figured my system out myself so try to educate what works from experience not what Joe blow ways or some no engine building engineer wrote on a piece of paper. I’ve built hundreds of engines from flatheads to race engines at the highest levels in the world. I’ll stick with what I know works. Best gaskets must be ripping me off not putting that note in the gasket sets I buy from them but that’s okay I believe I’ve got this. 😁

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

All of the engine rebuilder books and articles I've ever read say to soak them in oil before installing. Every gasket kit I've seen has an instruction sheet that says the same thing. I've found the same instructions in Model A and Early V8 gasket sets. Just following trusted recommendations from people smarter than me!

55+ years of doing it wrong with zero issues and I figured my system out myself so try to educate what works from experience not what Joe blow says or some no engine building engineer wrote on a piece of paper. I’ve built hundreds of engines from flatheads to race engines at the highest levels in the world. I’ll stick with what I know works. Best gaskets must be ripping me off not putting that note in the gasket sets I buy from them but that’s okay I believe I’ve got this. 😁

[3949tl]

I’ve seen it explained both ways and am thinking either will work. My original concern about the seal being too thick still stands. I have pushed it in as far as it will go and have about a quarter inch sticking out on each end. After trimming it almost flush, I’m going to dry fit it and see if it compresses enough. Right now I have my doubts.
One more question: everyone suggests to “glue” the gasket to the block prior to install. What’s wrong with “gluing” it to the pan instead? It seems easier. I will put a dab of sealer on each corner of the end seals first.

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by 3949tl

I’ve seen it explained both ways and am thinking either will work. My original concern about the seal being too thick still stands. I have pushed it in as far as it will go and have about a quarter inch sticking out on each end. After trimming it almost flush, I’m going to dry fit it and see if it compresses enough. Right now I have my doubts.
One more question: everyone suggests to “glue” the gasket to the block prior to install. What’s wrong with “gluing” it to the pan instead? It seems easier. I will put a dab of sealer on each corner of the end seals first.

I suggest you install as stated in my first post before trimming. That way you will know the seal is pressed all way in its groove. Then trim otherwise once pressed all way in it may be too short.