The note states "Not EU3 Model". Early TD5 engines were compliant with an earlier version of EU regulations and were EU2 compliant. These engines from 1998 are called 10p engines from the engine number sequence. Your 2003 engine is probably a 15p engine and if so would be EU3 compliant. Thus you should probably not be following the note in the manual.

That said, the issue with the rocker gasket is that the complex shape around the semi-circle has a tendency to dislocate from the gutter whilst you are trying to fit the rest of it. This can be difficult to spot and would cause the leak you seem to have. A tiny drop of sealant just to hold it in position, would probably be fine.
 
The note states "Not EU3 Model". Early TD5 engines were compliant with an earlier version of EU regulations and were EU2 compliant. These engines from 1998 are called 10p engines from the engine number sequence. Your 2003 engine is probably a 15p engine and if so would be EU3 compliant. Thus you should probably not be following the note in the manual.

That said, the issue with the rocker gasket is that the complex shape around the semi-circle has a tendency to dislocate from the gutter whilst you are trying to fit the rest of it. This can be difficult to spot and would cause the leak you seem to have. A tiny drop of sealant just to hold it in position, would probably be fine.
ahhhh! thanks, helpful and educational. That a great info.. Il use a drop to secure in place like you've said and go from there. After all its not a ball ache to take off so id rather do too little than too much if you get me! :)
 
On the plus side your engine bay is probably nicely lubricated and rust proofed from the oil leak ;)
 
I put sealant on mine and it is a 2006 model. Much more effective than the gasket on its own.

The other reason why TD5s are wet with oil around the back of the engine is that you get diesel leaking out of the fuel pressure regulator. It's that thing with fuel pipes attached to it, at the rear of the engine on the driver's side (RHD).
 

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