What are the guidlines for using a gasket sealant?
 

I recently purchased a 1986 911 Turbo, and decided to drop the engine to fix a number of typical oil leaks and replace a number of aging rubber hoses. I have purchased all new gaskets for valve covers, turbo oil pump, fuel injection, throttle body, crankcase breather, etc. etc and I am wondering if there are general guidlines to follow regarding when to use a gasket sealant compound in combination with a new paper- gasket to form the best seal. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David

JW turned me on to the spray copper stuff. It works very well. I'd stay away from silicon stuff.

I'd also stay away from using anything on surfaces I may some day detach again. I've scraped enough gasket material in my day to know that I don't want to do it any more than I have to. Certainly, valve cover gaskets should go on DRY. Put the valve covers on a big table-top belt sander, to ensure they are smooth and flat. And then don't overtorque the nuts when installing them. They won't leak.