1997 Pathfinder VG33 Valve cover gaskets

[clys]

Hey guys, I just purchased a '97 pathfinder V6. The valve covers are leaking very badly, right onto the manifolds and around the transmission bellhousing. Can I just use RTV, or should I use OEM gaskets? Are they cork or rubber? Also, the reverse lights do not work, I switched the bulbs around and still nothing. Do the reverse sensors often go bad on these? If so, are they easy to replace? Is the driver's side valve cover tricky to remove? Passenger side looks like a piece of cake, just want to know how much time/beer to allocate to this job (am a mechanic by trade).


Thanks guys!

Also feel free to shoot some maintenance or general tips in regards to these things