You can Tap back the bellied areas around the Bolt Holes in the Timing Cover...so that that rim is all nice and flat, using a Backing Block of some sort behind it as you Tap with a small Ball Peen or other flat face Hammer.
Maybe try that 'Copper' Gasket sealer along with that, being generous with it, and applying it to both sides of the Gasket and to the Block and to the Timing Cover.
People used to over-tighten all those kinds of Bolts - Side Cover, Pan, Valve Cover...and belly the metal down...where it will never fit right then or allow a good Seal...so, best to Tap all those back to true.
Last edited by Thriftmaster_Phi; 07/14/2014 2:56 AM.
