Removing old oil pan gasket

[Convict1997]

I'm replacing the timing cover and oil pan gaskets on my 1996 4.0 OHV. I've got the oil pan off and am trying to remove all the leftovers from the old gasket. I'm having a hell of a time getting the rubber out of the little crevices at the back of the motor. I've been at it for a few hours but I don't see how I'm going to get it all out. Would I be okay to get as much as possible, trim the nipples down on the new gasket, and fill the area with RTV?

 

[albator]

How did it go?
I'm gonna do it today. Can you please give us an update?

 

[410Fortune]

dental pics
I get it all out using dental pics and vacuum

You CAN cut the nipples off and use silicon but it is not as good as getting it all out and seating the gasket fully

 

[239]

Whats involved in changing the oil pan gasket on a 2000 4.0 ohv? It doesn’t look like you have to raise the engine for clearance and I’m 2WD so that should leave even more room. Just wondering before I have the shop quote me.