Re above two posts. Once joint is broken, it is no longer same as it was It would be nice if it was because it was not leaking.

UPDATE: I tried painting on some acetone and lo & behold, with just a little rubbing the black deposit came off. Only spent a few minutes on it in one area when I got home this evening, but if it all comes off that easily, problem solved.

Will use the smear of sealant when re-installing. I do have an OE gasket bought a few years back. Have to do a few trial runs without sealant, because as I recall, the cover doesn't just drop on - it has to be "maneuvered" into place

__________________
Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5