MG Car Repair: oil pan gasket ?, ft lbs torque, pan gasket

Question
Hello Howard,

I have a 1979 MG Midget.  The oil pan gasket was replaced by a previous owner, but still leaks.  I am going to replace the gasket just to make sure it is done correctly.  What is the bolt tightening sequence and torque amounts for the oil pan bolts?  Do you recommend silicone? Any other tips or hints?
Thanks,
Dave

Answer
Hi Dave,
You just need to clean the pan and the block and check the pan to see that someone has not over tightened the pan bolts so as to distort the pan at the bolt holes.
I use silicone sealer between the pan and the gasket but not between the gasket and the block. The books quote 20 ft lbs torque but I never met a mechanic who torqued pan bolts. If you are not use to tightening bolts you should use a torque wrench to feel how 20 ft lbs feels. I don't usually use that much torque on a cork gasket but do on a fiber gasket.
As far as a pattern I always installed and snug all the bolts first and tightened the bolts afterward in a crisscross pattern.
Howard