I have seen it both ways. If both mating surfaces are perfect it will work without agasket. I always use a gasket as it is too much trouble to install one after the fact.

 

my '00 does not have a gasket

 

 

Again, from the service manual:

1988-97 2.3L and 1998-99 2.5L Engines
The oil pump is located on the front of the engine and is turned by the timing belt.
[*]
Disconnect the negative battery cable. [*]
Remove the timing belt. [*]
Detach the camshaft position sensor (CMP) electrical connector. [*]
Remove the oil pump sprocket bolt and sprocket. [/ol]
Use a prybar or drift through one of the holes in the pump sprocket to keep it from turning while loosening the bolt.
[*]
Unbolt the camshaft position sensor. [*]
Remove the four bolts retaining the oil pump to the engine block. [*]
Remove the oil pump from the front of the engine and discard the pump-to-block gasket. [*]
Inspect the oil pump and O-rings and replace as necessary. Clean all gasket mating surfaces thoroughly. [*]
Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure, however note the following:
[*]
Prime the oil pump and with 8 ounces (236ml) of new engine oil and lubricate the O-rings with same. [*]
Use a new pump-to-block gasket. [*]
Tighten the oil pump bolts to 2-123 inch lbs. (10-14 Nm), the camshaft position sensor bolts to 45-61 inch lbs. (5-7 Nm) and the oil pump sprocket bolt to 30-40 ft. Lbs. (40-55 Nm).[/ol][/ol]
------------------------------------

 

I've seen it with and without.. I'm sure the service manual says there is one, but from what I've seen with my own eyes, some do some dont... Personally, if I have a gasket I use it, if not I use silicone, being sure to let it dry before I torque it. I've never had a problem either way. I've seen other makes of engines the same way.. Not a big deal, just make sure it's sealed up good.

 

ok i get it.. i did not find one, so i didn't put one on it.. it will be fine

 

There are gaskets for both but from the factory Ford did not put a gasket between the pump and the block. The newer ones might be different but that's how my '95 is/was.