Kiwif150
Full Access Member
I think I'll stay with a gasket. Got a good Felpro one today. Planning on a film of Permatex High-Tack on the pump side, and maybe a smear of Hylomar on the cover plate side so it'll come off again some day.
If you ever do get stuck and have to rely solely on a silicone gasket then a good trick is to get an even smear on one surface and let it "skin off" for 10 - 15 minutes before assembling ..... been doing this on old english cars for years as the castings deteriorate over 60 odd years to the point that the oe paper/cork gaskets never had a chance.