Sump gasket or sealant?

[scoule]

I seem to be leaking oil from the sump to block mating face. All the bolts are tight so I guess it needs a new gasket - but in the dim and distant past I seem to remember a main dealer telling me there was no gasket, and that they just use sealant. Without dropping the sump, I can't see a gasket fitted but that doesn't mean there isn't one.

Does anyone know for sure? If sealant, which type? My engine is a pre-serp 500.

Thanks!

Assuming I'm dropping the sump, would anyone bother checking a big end / main while they're in there? 42k miles on the clock.

[stesrg]

Hi I used a slight smear of silicone on the metel sump and then put the cork gasket on then a slight smear on top of the cork gasket SORTED BTW only a smear .
Steve .