89 Mercury Grand Marquis timing cover question (302 5.0)

[twilit ferry]

Just a quick question, would y’all reuse this timing cover? These are the only deep grooves on the water pump side. I was thinking a thin coat of black or gray RTV on both sides of the gasket would probably seal it up.

[placid blade]

It probably would, but monitor it and be prepared to do the job again if it doesn’t. Fortunately I don’t remember these being too difficult if that happens.

[twilit ferry]

Yeah it isn’t a bad job, just a bit time consuming

The other side is perfectly fine and I didn’t wanna spend $100 for a new one just because I got a few scratches on this side