Quick question about the valve cover gasket

[othatseric]

Excuse my inexperience but does anyone know if its okay to re use the original valve cover/spark plug gaskets. I've been wanting to inspect my valve train for a while now but am a little nervous about the 20+ year old rubber. I figure when I take off the valve cover, i'll coat the old gasket in some oil before re installing it, is there anything else I'm missing?? And yes I will be buying a new set of gaskets soon but I don't want to wait 

Thanks!

-Eric

[monty23psk]

first, you should use the sealant recommended in the 4 areas of the gasket. Also, if you put it back, you should be fine unless you see obvious leaks. Then you must replace it. The spark plug gaskets are the first ones to go and you will not notice until you start burning/loosing oil. Just torque the bolts in order.