This is probably a silly question for more experienced hands, but I can't seem to find a clear answer and I don't want to screw this up.

::Puts on flame suit::

While doing some maintenance (in particular the valve cover gasket) I've removed the "strap" (metal arch) that bolts down and forms the bore that the crank angle sensor slips inside of. When bolting this "strap" back onto the engine, do I need to apply some form of gasket maker or sealant, or is this expected to have a perfectly sealed metal-to-metal machine fit?

Also, would Permatex Ultra Copper sealant be suitable for the dabs that go at each corner when reinstalling the valve cover?

Thanks!

 

I have always used an RTV on that surface. Permatex "the right stuff" is the only RTV I will use.

 

I RTV'd mine.

 

Iirc the fsm wants you to rtv that surface. Having said that, I never have and it's never leaked.

 

Well, I think it was one of the sources of my seeping, so I went ahead and used a thin layer of Ultra Grey on it, and some Ultra Black on the sharp corners of the valve cover gasket. Let's hope this fixes my seeping leaks!

Thanks for the feedback, guys!