I've stopped using gaskets completely dry. When clearance issues are involved there's rarely a gasket anyway, or there's a spacer, so the issue is sealing. On water pumps I use a very VERY thin film of water pump specific rtv, or yamabond (or one of the identical products labeled by different manufacturers).

I spread it on the engine, then apply the gasket, then a thin film on the part. I'm talking a layer so thin that you might not see any of it squeeze out. Then I wait 24 hours after torqing before I refill. Sometimes if the new parts look particularly smooth, I will scuff the mating surface with a scotch bright pad.

 

Thanks, ArmyRover and KingKoopa.

BTW, ArmyRover, weren't you going to Connecticut a while back to trailer back a Range Rover to Georgia? How'd that work out?

 

Didn't quite work out for that Rangie and I