B-vans aren't fun to work on, even on good days !
too bad the grease didn't work out for you. it has always done good for me, but before i install any item that requires a gasket, i always look really, really close at both mating surfaces and use a "perfectly straight" machinist's straight edge to check the gasket surfaces.
there are a LOT of items out there requiring gaskets to seal that have sealing surfaces that are FAR from straight...........