Back when I used a cork gasket, I liked to glue it to the cover using one of the heavier-bodied RTV compounds (black or red). Let it set just long enough to hold the cork in place, then just set the cover cork side down on a flat surface and let it try thoroughly. After the RTV is fully hardened, smear the other side with a little Hylomar and install with the nuts snug (not very tight).
When you remove the cover for maintenance, just clean the gasket surface with a bit of solvent and apply more Hylomar. It should last for several years of annual valve adjustments.
Now of course I use one of Justin's silicone gaskets, which seals fine without added sealer.
Note that there are supposed to be flat washers and fiber sealing washers under the nyloc nuts. Justin supplies special sealing washers with the silicone gasket.