lazy j,
This is one of those things where everyone has their tried and true method. I have always done my gaskets in this fashion.
Remove the old gasket and wire brush the surface to get it spotlessly clean. Hammer any bolt-through flange flat on your work bench so no dimple's remain.
I spray both sides of the gasket and the mating surface of the pan, valve cover or other item with Permatex High-Tack gasket adhesive and let them dry.
Apply the gasket to the pan, valve cover or other item and install. Certain areas on the pan gasket get a dab of silicone which I let set up for awhile before I install the pan.
Many folks swear by the silicone gaskets makers and they too work fine. I don't like the appearance of the snot hanging out between the mating surfaces if you over apply the stuff.
Stuart
