318 Oil pan gasket fitment issue / MAHLE OS30520YTC Cork with Metal Carrier

Sterling said

Is the engine in the vehicle or out ? I think that factory design was to have the engine upside down, and tack the cork pan rail gaskets to the block. Then set the pan on, with the rubber end seals attached to the pan. I usually try to install like that, and usually install some sealer on the pan before installing the rubber end seals. If I install sealer, I will set the pan on thee engine, get all the bolts started and snug the bolts. Then tighten the pan bolts the next day when the sealer is set. The gap you have now should compress when the pan is tightened.

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yeah the engine is outta the car. Your tip sounds much more better and leak proof instead of juggling the cork gasket with the rubber gasket, the rtv and setting the screws all in one go.

I guess alittle rvt on the corners is a must! I been reading that all around. the only thing im also confused is do you put rtv on the bottom / under of the rubbers? i did one but i feel like cleaning it off and just add rtv to the corners only and maybe the inner rubber lip where it meets the steel - where it seats from the inside

Alot of guys tend to not add rtv onto the gasket, what would your advice be?

I was thinking of contact glue and sticking "metal core cork" on to the engine side like you said. Not too much but just enough to give it a grab and not move.