thats what i always thought, a smear of grease to get a good seal on some paper gaskets, but not head gaskets, esp metal ones!
Stu @ M Developments why your here, i put a post up earlier, referance ybp sumps, should they have the baffle with the square hole that the pick up go's through???
i know the 4x4 had one but not sure of the late escos because it had the windage tray.