I think there is a cork seal that is supposed to go there? The only place Ive seen it is in the full gasket kit on eBay, 2205 timing cover cork, still looking to find one without having to buy the whole gasket set.

1933 207 stovebolt shoved into a Chevy 1/2 ton with all the 29-32 left overs. (Woody) - all original, originally old!
Courage = Being scared to death, then going to do the task anyways!