Sorry to waste peoples time with a dumb question. I am putting back together my 2.8 ( first time ) That thing that goes on the block before you put the water pump housing on it. It has a gasket but my book doesnt say to put sealer on it . It mentions putting some sealer in the small area befor putting on the oil pan in that liile spot where the two screws would go for the pan.
So do I put that gasket on dry ? It says to make sure the surface is clean. Hope I made a little sense and thanks for any help . Chris

Most people like to put a very thin, even coating of RTV on both sides of the gasket. Let it dry! This is just a little added insurance that the gasket will seal. If both surfaces are flat and clean, it is not needed. This is not a substitute for not having a clean flat sealing surface. If a minor scratch or nick is in the sealing surface, it will prevent it from becoming a leak. This will often allow a componet to be taken apart and the gasket reused. Do not do this to head gaskets! Do not over torque! This is the destroyer of most gaskets. Hope this helps. Mark

Not sure where your talking about but am guessing there the bottom of the timing cover and the pan meet. On the earlier 85-86 it is at an angle and has two bolts that go through the pan and into the timing cover. If so yes put some rtv on it.

When it comes to the pan and timing cover then in doubt I would put some rtv on. Especially in the corners where pan and covers meet and in the rear where the pan goes over the rear bearing main. If you happen to have replaced the bearings you also want to put a little dab of rtv between the rear main and the block so that oil does not leak between the block and main.

Thank you both vey much for all your help. Chris

You'll also need to put some thread sealer or rtv on the threads of the large lower left timing cover bolt.