Gasket advice 3.0 TDI "V" Rebuild after EGR, Oil Cooler and Coolant Valve replacement

[mrcheeezy]

2014 A7 3.0 TDI CLAB Engine.

Just rebuilding the components in the "V" after a coolant and oil leak. Replacing all gaskets, coolant valve and flange.

I have a question for the rubber gaskets during the rebuild for the following below - should I leave them dry, lubricate with coolant or oil as appropriate or use something different - red rubber grease or silicon grease etc. My manual doesn't say anything which indicate leave dry but I have always used a wipe of oil on oil gaskets and coolant or red grease on coolant gaskets.

Oil cooler plate to engine block gasket (oil and coolant gaskets)
Oil cooler gasket (Oil and coolant gaskets)
Coolant valve gasket to block
Coolant flange to block
O ring from flange to Oil cooler
Intake Manifold to head gaskets

Just want to get this right as don't want to revisit this!

Thanks for any advice assistance.

[Crasher]

Strictly speaking the should be replaced and brake cleaner dry but we sometimes just apply a blob of black Loctite RTV and run the gasket through our fingers so there is just a hint of the goo on the rubber, nothing more than just like a sweaty paw print.

[mrcheeezy]

Thanks Crasher, good advice.

Out of interest is there a preferred product for cleaning the EGR and inlet manifold? I'm using holts EGR cleaner but its not really touching it. Screwfix degreaser seems to be cutting through it on the EGR and oven cleaner on the plastic manifold but its a slow job.

is it worth trying to clean the inlet ports - I'm tempted just to leave them for fear of debris going into the cylinder?

[Crasher]

I stick them in the ultrasonic tank with caustic TFR and distilled water 50/50 but I check the gears aren’t stripped first or there is no point.

[shabazmo]

Ive used Tardis tar and glue remover which works wonders.