500T timing cover

The mag failed, during a trial, last weekend. When removing it I found that the timing cover (not the mag chain cover) had been fitted with a gasket between it and the crankcase. The two screws inside the chain cover are thin hex headed and cross drilled for locking wire seating properly on spot faced seatings instead of the usual countersinks. Was a gasket ever fitted from the factory or even as a recognised option? My plan is to adjust the cam shafts' end float and refit without a gasket.

Rod