On dry holes I dip the threads in 30 wt oil then blow em off with shop air (never hurts to chase the block threads with thread chasing taps). As said most any gasket cement will work fine on the block gaskets in question (no RTV). Indian head cement with the shoe polish applicator is convenient. I always like the Permatex "high tack" red spray (its real thin) but the last several cans I bought spewed out bits of red "material", not sure what was up with that.