149 refurb oil pan gasket question
 

Got my engine back in chassis this week. Pulled it to paint and to check balance gears. Put new oil pan gasket on and put engine back in chassis. Was hard to start. 12.8 volt at battery. 12 volt to solenoid. Switch in start mode and 6.2 volt to starter. Had an old cable on it. Did start and ran for one minute . I shut it off. Took off old cable and put on new cable. Broke stud on solenoid while tightening bolt. Ordered new solenoid and oil pan gasket. New Kohler oil pan gasket is half as thick as the one I took off. It came off nice with no damage. Should I use the new gasket or the old gasket? Either way, I am using some Permatex 2 non hardening Form a gasket sealant. I do not want to have to pull the engine again. All help appreciated. Have a great day.
Bob

I always use a new gasket.

M

Unless you are on the island with Gilligan and the Skipper and have absolutely no access to a new gasket...Clean the mating surfaces very well, apply your sealant and use the new gasket.

Never put any sealant on pan gaskets when I have them off. They never leak, and no one whose engine I rebuilt ever complains. You don't need it.

The new Kohler gasket has already arrived. Will use it along with the sealant. Don't want to pull the engine again. Going to put the oil pan on the glass and check to see if it is flat. I think I read that no more than a .001 feeler gauge should slide under it. Thanks for the reply's and have a great day.
Bob