All good points.

To add to that, I really like Permatex #2 used lightly and smeared evenly on most gaskets.
for your oil pan gasket I use a small amount of black silicone at the corners where the cork and rubber meet. Don't use silicone on anything else unless it used it when brand new...

For the valve cover gasket I use gasket adhesive to attach it to the cover, and use nothing between it and the head. Then it's easy to remove to adjust valves and reusable for a long time to come.

Grigg


1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-