Hello, so recently I have noticed the timing cover on my 3.8 (3800 motor) Camaro leaking coolant externally at an increasing rate. While replacing the gasket should be a straight process, let me explain where I'm nervous and uncertain...

Last year I had an old motor which developed rod knock, and I had attempted to replace the oil pump. However, I reassembled the timing cover twice and each time, immediately after startup got coolant in the oil. I am uncertain if the rod knock could've damaged the block, or I messed something up.

Fast forward, I have obtained a replacement motor that has been used. Everything else works fine, minus the external coolant leak. Now, assuming that nothing else is wrong with this motor, could coolant and oil mix through the timing cover if it is done improperly?

But mainly, what is the proper way to the very detail to replace the TC gasket? Where/what sealant do I use, dry gasket or RTV on gasket, and any other pointers I should be aware of.

I can't think of anything special to do......

I never put any sealer on this gasket, outside of never seize......the only joint where I put RTV, are the 2 corners where the front block, oil pan, and timing cover all come together....

So before I start tomorrow, I just want to confirm, if this gasket is done improperly, is there any way coolant can enter the oil instantly on startup? I remember my last motor had that happen, and I'm not sure if I went wrong on the timing cover or it was already seeping in.