I use a very light smeer of Permatex #2, about as little as you can put on and say it's on there. not enough for any to squeeze out but almost. To much and it does make a gasket squirm, used correctly it's wonderful stuff!

I prefer to use a gasket adhesive to stick a gasket to the oil pan or to the valve cover. Use Permatex #2 on the other side. But I often put valve cover gaskets on dry to the head, then they're reusable many many times over. If the cover is straight you shouldn't have any leaking issues.

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-