checking valve adj?
 

If you adjusted your valves a month ago and wanted to check oon them do you think you could get away with not replacing the gasket/lock nuts?

If you are not changing the oil do you just have to drain it out of the sump to keep it from running out the valve covers?

rick,

Yes, you can.
I've been re-using the same gaskets, Nyloks and washers for years.
It's critical to have the mating surfaces very clean.
Simply smear grease on both sides of the gaskets and they won't stick.

We've been doing this in industrial applications for a long time; it works!

Some people just lift one side to tilt the car but I recommend that you drain the 2-3 liters out of the sump.

Re-use the Nylok nuts and Alu crush washers.
You can also check the covers for straight by using a sheet of fine sand paper on glass and gently slide the covers over the sand paper. That rubs off the high-spots.

I'd buy at least a new set of lower gaskets as a back up before proceeding.

I've had excellent results with the fiber gaskets, but recently decided to go with the reusable silicone gaskets. They are also excellent...no leaks when installed correctly. Why take the chance?