that's what I was thinking. I did torque them to spec, with loctite. Don't see what harm I could've done except that I did not do all of them-- just the top row. Possibly the others are torqued differently or not to spec so gasket is tweaked is the only thing I can think of.

 

Or cover is tweaked. Supposed to be criss-cross from center outward, following a sequence while torquing.

For now I would at least try snugging the bottom ones, and prepare to spend the $30 if that don't work.

Note: I had my primary cover off three times this week, reusing the same gasket. No leaks. (Was new at the beginning of the week).