BF50 Oil leak before and after valve cover gasket change

[SuperF250]

Hello Everyone!
I have been reading on here for a long time and have found lots of good information.
I am having a problem with my Honda outboard. I have a 2003 BF50 that has an oil leak at the bottom of the valve cover. I swapped the gasket but it's still leaking. I torqued the bolts to the required spec.
Is there some type of sealer I need to use between the gasket and the head? I have read both sides of that argument and can't draw a conclusion either way.

 

[ahicks]

No sealer required in my experience. You swapped the existing gasket for a new one?

Were those hard to reach corners spotless after having been cleaned with a solvent? Any chance some previously used sealant is still lurking in there somewhere?

Has this motor been overheated to the point the valve cover melted? If so, it's usually most noticeable in the area of the mounting bolts. They'll appear to be pulled in to the plastic valve cover. Sometimes enough where removing them from the cover is difficult. I've carefully cleaned up and repaired a couple of those, but I've replaced some that were too far gone as well. Check ebay if you need one. They're the same from about 2006 on back. 40's and 50's are the same.

 

[MattFL]

Just for a reference point, on my 99' 50 what has worked is making sure the surfaces are sterile clean, new gasket, then put a tiny dab of sealer in the sharp corners. Don't over torque. If you do this and still have a leak, then follow @ahicks advice and look for something physically damaged.