Push Rod Cover Gasket Help

[Stock72c10]

I just replaced the push rod cover gaskets on my 250ci. L6 about a month ago and the front one is still leaking right behind the coil. I used new gaskets and high temp RTV silicone between the covers and the gaskets. Did I miss a step or should I be putting RTV silicone on the engine and on the cover? Are there better aftermarket gaskets available (I got the cork kind from AutoZone)? Should I just get new covers? Mine don't look bad but maybe they are bent enough that I won't be able to get a good seal with them. Your input is appreciated.

On the positive side, my engine oils the bottom of the truck automatically so I shouldn't get much rust, unfortunately it also oils my garage floor

[Bruce88]

Cork gaskets are a pain, but some time there’s nothing else available I don’t know if there are different kind for your application.

What works for me is to clean the matting surfaces with what ever you want to use and when you think that there clean enough I do a final cleaning with brake cleaner, alcohol or MEK on a clean cloth any thing that will not leave an oil residue on the surface. RTV will not work with any oil on the surface. Then I put a small bead of Permatatex ultra copper high temp RTV on both sides of the cork gasket and install the cover but just lightly snug the bolts down. Let the RTV cure for 24 hours then torque the covers to final torque. The problem with cork gaskets is that they can crack and slip around with RTV if torqued to final torque before the RTV has setup. But using RTV improves the chances that there will not be any leaks.

Hope this helps good luck