okay this might seem like a really dumb question but I cannot seem to remember how the valve cover gasket goes back on is the solid side go onto the valve cover or does the other side? it seems to have 2 different sides to it a solid side and a side that has like an opening in the middle of it thanks in advance

It's only a dumb question when you don't list what car you are working on. If it's a 617 engine (early 80's), the grooved side faces the cover, and should wrap around the cover (hense the groove in the shape of your valve cover).

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1989 300E 144K

Agreed, same on the 4 cylinder (616). Can be easily dislodged when reinstallig, so I clean up the cam cover, and put a bit of grease one the bottom, then fit the gasket on. Someone has mentioned tying it on with fishing line, then installing, and before tightening down, snip and remove.

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83 SD

84 CD

I degrease the valve cover gasket groove and the bottom edge of the valve cover (and about 1/4 inch up from the edge also) with brake cleaner (get all the oil off). I take a tube of silicone sealant the I got from one of the 99 cent stores we have out here and I put the sealant in the bottom of the gasket groove. I install the valve cover gasket onto the valve cover pressing the gasket on enough to hold in (the sticky sealant should hold it on). I degrease sealing edge of the valve cover gasket where it will seal against the head with brake cleaner and I put a light coat of the silicone sealant on the sealing edge.
I take a clean rag and wipe off as much oil as I can from the cylinder head where the valve cover sits. Install the valve cover and tighten it slightly.
If it is above 60 degrees out let it sit for 1-2 hours after which tighten it up; if it is colder you might as well just tighten it down all the way.
The silicone will glue the gasket to the valve cover and the oil will never creap under the groove of the gasket and come out on the outside. If you remove the valve cover later clean off the silicone from the sealing edge and put on some new silicone and install the valve cover.
It takes me longer to write how to do this than it dose to actually do it.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

wouldn't this cause you to have to really scrape it off the next time you do a valve adjustment? Is cheap silicone caulk rated to handle those temps? Just asking....I am about to do a valve job on mine as soon as I bend my wrenches...

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85 300CD Turbo "Das Polluter" 230K sold for $3,000

98 BMW 323is

There should be no need to use any kind of sealer when doing the valve cover gasket. Put it on dry and torque it to specs and that should do it. My 240D has never needed anything.

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Len
'59 220S Cabriolet-SOLD and living happily in Malta
'83 240D 351,500 miles original owner-SOLD
'88 560SL 41,000 miles - totaled and parted out
https://sites.google.com/site/mercedesstuff/home
'99 E300 turbo 227,500 miles
'03 SLK320 40,000 miles - gave to my daughter
'14 Smart electric coupe 28,500 miles
'14 Smart electric cabriolet 28,500 miles
'15 Smart electric coupe 28,000 miles

Agreed, doesn't need anything, yet as mentioned, easily dislodged when reinstalling.

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83 SD

84 CD