Oil Leak/Changing Valve Cover Gasket
 

I got an oil leak and I've traced in to the Valve Cover Gaskets. So i'm planning on changing them. Is this a commom problem on the 5.0's? Mine is a 1990 LX 5.0. Also should I drain the oil before I do this? Any tips would be welcome. Thanks.

No you do not have to drain the oil.

Being common, no more common on a 302 than anything else. Parts get hot and cold and break down. Some types of gaskets will leak quicker than others. Using the right type of silicone also affects things.

Just clean everything real good before you apply new silicone/gaskets. Make sure all old gasket is off. I like to emory cloth all surfaces too.

Do not over tighten cover bolts. This will also cause leaks.

Re: Oil Leak/Changing Valve Cover Gasket
 

Very common ... and no you don't need to drain the oil unless you drop a piece of the old gasket down the drain hole or something ?
Although an oil change is fairly cheap and its good insurance.

What kind of silicone do you guys use?

I like Permatex "ultra copper"