1996 ford ranger xlt RWD 2.3L 5 speed
So im changing the oil pan gasket. Now, for those of us with the 2.3 know how much of a pain it is to replace this gasket. Really really! dont want to do this again so im thinking of putting RTV on the pan along with the gasket. Thing is should i put the RTV on the pan along with the gasket or on the engine block part? i asked my co-worker this and he said to put RTV on the pan with the gasket and a thin layer of RTV on the block. Any suggestions? so far im thinking of doing what my co-worker told me to do. (ENGINE IS STILL IN THE ENGINE BAY)

 

With new gasket and clean surfaces you just need a thin layer, and you can put it on both.
BUT issue is lining it up with two sticky surfaces, which can be a pain.
I prefer using sealer only on the movable surface, in this case the oil pan, that way I can get it all lined up and gasket sticks to the moving part.

One heads up about sealer, RTV or others, if you use too much it will form small ***** on the inside of the oil pan when you tighten it up, these ***** drop off over time, clogging the oil pump pick up screen.

 

oh ****! alright thank you man this helped and ill make sure not to use too much RTV. dont want it to get all clogged up.