Alum valve cover leak

[oldmangump]

Yes, I finally dumped the old leaky, warped plastic valve cover for a shiny new aluminum one. You guessed it, it leaks.

I used Red High temperature RTV silicone along with a cork gasket. I applied the silicon between the block and the gasket and between the valve cover and the gasket. You know, made a sandwich.

When I took the valve cover off, I noticed the silicone didn't stick to the aluminum valve cover. It's probably because I didn't clean it off before assembly.

I searched the forum and it seems. some folks recommend not using the silicone and gasket while others recommend using gobs of it.

So please share your opinion?

Should I use the silicone?

Should I use something else.

Thanks

[NIX]

I clean the cover at the gasket surface with degreaser or brake cleaner. I make a nice bead of RTV where it should be, espcially around the bolt holes. I let it dry for some time. I put some oil at the clean gasket surface at the cilinder head. I put the cover in place, but do not tighten the bolts. The rtv should not squeeze out everywhere, but it shouldcontact the cilinderhead all around. I let it sit for onde day, then I tighten the bolts. It stays dry for a few years this way. You can even remove the cover, (because of the oil on the head) the RTV bead stays intact, and I just put back the cover without a new gasket and it still hardly sweats.