i'd replace the vc gasket just to eliminate that area

a little trick i learned years ago when dealing with these type of vc gaskets ~~~ once you have the vc gasket on the cover is to lay it on a flat surface and see if it wobbles, if it does, it's not on right

does the dye show up above the head gasket ??

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1989 300ce smoke silver / brazil, in a constant state of flux ~~~