The best way that has always worked for me is,
put the four corner bolts in first, but only half way.
the install ALL the rest of the bolts finger tight and then
tork to spec's.
Makes putting on any pan or tin work much easier.
it helps with aligning the gaskets too.
PB
Don't use RTV silicone. Use a gasket "dressing" that helps hold gasket in place and make for easy removal. RTV silicone allows the gasket to slip during installation, whereas gasket dressing is made for the purpose of holding gasket in place during installation.
I used the Copper Spray Gasket stuff in a can from AutoZone or NAPA on my valve cover gaskets and NEVER had a leak or problem. Spray both sides of the gasket and bolt it down evenly. The gasket wont squirm because this stuff is real tacky. It also seems to fill the pores in the gasket to help it seal. I had to take them off once and believe me, these puppies were really suctioned to the head and cover! Check it out to see if it's recommended for oil pan gaskets too.
I used a one piece late model 5.0 gasket which is a perfect fit. It seemed like it would be pretty difficult to mess up. The kit comes with 4 guide pins, I could only get 2 to go in the back.
UPDATE: The one piece gasket finally arrived. Got everything cleaned and ready to go. Put Edlebrock gaskecinch everywhere, put the gasket in place lifted the pan up AND.......
the four corner holes in the gasket are smaller than the bolts.
This is a Ford product and it did not fit correctly. :damnit:
After throwing a few tools and cussing a lot, I took everything out, and made the corner holes bigger (removed the washer in the gasket).
Question: are the end seals supposed to be up tight against the motor, or will there be a little slop before the pan is tightened down??