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[Cloud]

I've got some base gaskets for my GT125R, and I've always put gaskets in clean, against clean block surfaces, everything oil-free. I've been told by someone though that it's wise to soak the gasket in oil before I put it in, for a better seal. I soak clutch plates but ...soaking a gasket? Really? Is this horsepoo? Or is there something to it?

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[AJC650]

Used to help my Dad in his garage, and I'm pretty sure he would run a finger of engine oil around a new gasket before mating the parts - maybe to ease later stripping? 

I don't know for sure, and I'll be interested in others replies!!

[umop-ǝpisdn]

I'd use Permatex ultra grey. Oil sounds like the exact thing you want to keep IN, not smear ON.

[stigger]

Oil on gaskets is normally to allow everything to move as you assemble it so that it sits in the right place and does't hang up. Not sure about "soaking" them though.

[Joss]

I've used a very thin smear of sealant like umop-ǝpisdn said (Hylomar) on gaskets in the past. I've seen first hand people use too much on new gaskets and break the seal.

Back to the original question, I can see a light oil not being a problem (allowing the gasket to line up nicely) but soaking, not something I would recommend. Head/Base gaskets as you have quite rightly said have always been super clean. Clean gasket to clean metal. I suppose if it works for whoever you were talking to then let them crack on, I would image the engine is a bit smokey from oil burning off the casing for a bit  .

[Sid]

Just lightly smear the gasket with oil. It helps to seal micro pores in the metal surfaces and helps the gasket to bed in. It also makes future removal easier. As stated, head gaskets go on dry.

I'm an engineer of 40 years and this is how I was always taught. Some systems I work on run at 600 psig and the gaskets don't let by using this method.

[umop-ǝpisdn]

600psi sounds like some serious clamping force!

[Sid]

600psi sounds like some serious clamping force!

Nah,

Just the internal pressures in the system. But it shows the leak stopping capability of gaskets that are installed correctly.

[umop-ǝpisdn]

Here's a number that blew my mind; common rail diesel engines have a fuel pressure of around 30,000 PSI.

[Sid]

Yeh,

Some of these figures are amazing eh!

Did you know that the pressure developed in the breech of a 9mm handgun is 35,000 psi?
And that's everytime you pull the trigger!