Oil leaking after removing valve cover

Over the weekend, I replaced the PCV valve but broke it in the process (or it may have already been broken) and I couldn't remove it without taking everything apart and remove the engine valve cover. It was a lot of work for such a small piece. Anyways, today I noticed a burnt oil smell after driving for 30 minutes. I opened the hood and I could see a small leak coming from a corner of the engine and also could see little smoke/steam from it. I am almost sure it's from a misplaced valve cover gasket.

I noticed the valve cover being a little tight to remove or had a good snug seal when I removed it. The gasket did not come off with the cover though (it stayed "stuck" on the engine).

I am not an engine expert but can you open the valve cover and put it back without replacing a new gasket? Did I ruin the gasket when I removed the cover? Was I supposed to put silicone or something? Or maybe the gasket was not placed correctly? What did I miss? Any suggestions?

 

I was thinking of doing that, just didn't want to take everything apart again lol thanks though! Also, I just noticed today that my PVC valve hose looked oily. When I installed the new one, I noticed the hose to be a little cracked and worn off, it could be that that's causing the leak but I'll install new cover gasket as well just in case.

 

The valve cover gasket loses its resiliency and over time thy will go brittle. Replace it if its leaking.

Replace your PCV valve hose.

Check your PVC valve by removing and shaking it. You should hear it rattle.