Kohler K301 Oil Pan Gasket Installation
 

Hi Folks. Had an event on my 129 that resulted in most of the oil getting out of my Kohler 12 hp. The engine is OK as I seemed to catch it in time. As a result we're upgrading to a cast iron pan. Should I use any sealer on the gasket or mount it up dry? It's a paper gasket so nothing exotic I know RTV is probably a no-go but there are some spray tack sealers that give an even coat with no squeeze-out common to RTV. What's list wisdom on this. Spray-tack the pan gasket or just send it dry?

I used to be a no RTV kind of mechanic mostly using the Permatex Type 2 semi hardening brown sealer until Permatex's Right Stuff came out. OEMs have been using it for factory assembly with Toyota calling theirs FIP or form in place gasket material. It's great stuff. The less expensive one from Permatex is their Ultra Black. Unless there are instructions that say not to, it's always helpful to have some kind of sealer for imperfections in what's being gasketed.

I put a thin coat on the block and pan and it can hold the gasket in place when positioning the parts. You only need a skim coat about the thickness of wet paint or an 1/8" bead on wider flanges or sheet metal. No leaks to date from those assemblies.

I also use a thin film of sealer on my gaskets.

Permatex aviation form-a-gasket sealant liquid #80019
Sticky stuff, can't go wrong with that.
It's All I have ever used on gaskets.
Goes on with then brush on the cap.

Same, I only use #2 if I don't have a gasket.

RTV all the way. Brian Miller recommends no gasket, but RTV.