Joe: I have not used any silicon gasket sealants on any of the engines I've rebuilt. I do however coat both sides of all the gaskets (except the head gasket) with a light application of grease so the gasket will stay in place while installing and if you have to remove a cover it helps keep the gasket more pliable for easy removal. ENJOY

Chris of all my motors with both lower and higher vin numbers than yours. They all have the little tabs where the oil filter housing would lock into place.