Oil pan gasket questions

["Eric M. Hunt" <emh1@xxxxxxxxx>]

I have an '87 325iC with 150K.  The oil pan is slightly leaky and may be
getting worse.  My question:

Q:    Should one replace an oil pan gasket on this old of a car?  I have
heard that if you replace the gasket, the "top end" or head gasket/valve
cover gasket will then leak as a result?  Is this true?  Is this okay to
do?

Q:    When replacing the gasket, should a sealant be used?  I have
purchased the factory, cork-type gasket.

Thanks,
Eric Hunt

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