I am assembling the reman long block I purchased ( 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Magnum 5.9L). A full gasket kit package was delivered with the reman long block.

QUESTION: should I apply RTV sealant at the corner joints on the block, where timing cover mates with block and also at the rear main ?

I went online to the gasket manufacturers web page ( FRACO of Italy- had to use google translate) : it says ( see screen grab below) that the blue rubber polymer gaskets should be completely dry mounted. Use RTV only if the gasket is multi piece and needs to be sealed at the joints. MY blue gasket is a one piece molded design ( no joints)

I have read some online references- some say no RTV sealant, others say yes

From my point of view: if it were an O ring I would certainly not apply RTV sealant as it would interfere with the O-rings ability to expand on the O-ring gland, also it would seem possible that additional sealant on this one piece molded polymer gasket could actually impair its sealing ability since the RTV sealant may not move or adjust with the polymer gasket as it compresses/expands/contracts.

I cant be the first to confront this scenario, but my thread search here didn't turn up any answers on the topic.

At this point I have installed the oil pan and gasket without sealant. I put about 4 quarts of oil in and primed the new oil pump with the special drive tool ( very cool !). But if the general consensus from the forum is to add RTV to the corners, then I'll do that. Block is mounted on a stand and it would be very easy to drain out the new oil, flip the block over and remove the oil pan/gasket to apply RTV seal.

Standing by for words of wisdom and advice.


Technical Instructions for gasket

 

For the one-piece fellers, I don't think I used any RTV, but, it's been a while.

 

I use silicone on everything! Keep in mind you don't have to go crazy with it. Doing so cold cause it to come loose and fins it's way into the oil pickup. I deal with PSI motors a lot(they are motors for industrial purposes). They make a copy of a GM 4.3 that uses one rubber gasket for the pan and they only use a little bit around the corners. Problem is after years of use the rubber gets hard as a rock and the gasket leaks. To replace the gasket you need to remove the motor because the pan in made from cast aluminum and is used as part of the support of the trans. When I replace the gasket I make sure the perimeter of the pan is sealed with silicone so when the rubber gasket gets hard and leaks the silicone is there to stop it.