What are the guidlines for using a gasket sealant?

[dyerkes]

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

[Superman]

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.