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!