So, I'm attempting my first water pump and timing cover gasket on this truck. (I paid someone last time). The service manual says to use silicone rtv on the gasket, but isn't very specific. I don't want to use too much and block the water flow. Do you put this stuff on both sides of the gasket? Or just on the side mating to the timing cover, or just on the side mating to the block? Same question for the water pump. Do you run a bead of rtv around the whole gasket like you would doing a differential cover, or do you just put it in certain spots?

 

Yes. All of the above. Both sides. Small bead. Don't overthink it.

 

I put small bead on the block then smooth it down with my finger, same for both sides of the gasket and the timing cove, water pump gasket and water pump as well.
Make sure you put a nice thick glob on the corners of the oil pan gasket! Don't smooth those down with your finger, leave em thick.

Put RTV on any bolts entering the water jacket, not required but it's extra insurance on your repair. I like to use the permatex ultra gray.

After you torque it down come back and retorque again 10 minutes later after gasket compresses for a while.

 

I believe I put it on one side as a complete film so it would stick to the cover when I reassembled it. No leaks.