Is a gasket required for the timing belt covers?

I'm replacing a damaged timing belt cover (upper passenger side) with a secondhand one from Cresta, and notice the remains of an old gasket on the replacement piece. Is the gasket required, and if so, has anyone applied a creative aftermarket alternative to buying one from Nissan?

 

i dont believe it has a gasket.....

maybe a protective rubber strip?

 

Jedi is correct - dust/anti-vibration seal only, not essential IMHO

 

This was suggested to me when I asked the same question. Go to

Clark Rubber - they have this rubber strip in various widths which is about 3 mm thick and has adhesive on one side. Buy one metre and cut strips 3 mm wide with some scissors. Worked a treat on my car.

 

Thanks, guys. I'll look into Clive's suggestion.