[Spridgets] gasket sealer?

[Marc]

I am almost finished cleaning up the old oil pan and timing cover 
gaskets so I can install new ones. The oil pan gasket was totally 
plastered with what appears to be both orange and black types of 
sealant.  It's been no fun cleaning it up.

Is sealant really necessary? On previous projects I usually clean all 
surfaces scrupulously, and then apply hylomar dressing lightly on one 
side only to assist in keeping things in place during assembly. What 
about a small amount of sealant in the corners of the oil pan seals?

-- 

Marc