I've found an oil leak around my front cover--according to mazdatrix, it appears that I should just replace the o-ring and use silicone with NO gasket. Do you guys have any experience with this approach?

Also, can I do the same for the oil pan, or should I get a gasket? I know standard installation is gasket + silicone.

Here are some things I am planning to do as well:
Replace the oil seal on the eccentric shaft
Replace the water pump housing gasket
Replace the oil metering pump gasket and lines.

I read the mazdatrix warning about the dropdown bearing, so will work on avoiding that by using assembly grease and tilting the car back 15 to 20 degrees when doing the work.

Anything else I am missing?

 

If you have stock oiling system use the gaskets and there's a sealant made by Permatex called The Right Stuff http://www.permatex.com/products/pro...&item_no=33694 works wonders. Use the gasket on the oilpan with this sealant you won't have any leaks. Also when removing the front main bolt jam something on the flywheel so that it stays forward towards the motor. A piece of wood or flatbar of steel inserted in one of the inspection holes. It will keep the eccentric shaft from moving and being pushed forward there's less likely chance of movement.

 

Thanks.