Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Kohler Courage oil leaking from valve cover, troy bilt lawn tractor, problem questions

Question
I have a troy bilt lawn tractor with a Kohler Courage (SV470-610) 19hp engine, about 2-3 years old.  I noticed that oil is coming out of the valve cover area in the front and smokes up on the hot muffler when starting.  I was going to take off the cover and replace the gasket hoping to fix the leak.  I'm no mechanic but simple things are no problem.  Questions:  I believe this is correct but oil in the valve cover area is normal?  And when I take the cover off, should I look for anything before replacing the gasket?  It would be new territory taking apart and looking at the valves, etc.

Thanks

Answer
There should be oil in that area the oil pump pumps it up there the valves have to be lubricated or they will fail.  I would say just replace the gasket put the bolts back in tighten them securely and it should take care of the problem.  In severe instances I have seen people use a thin layer of silicone to help seal the area they do this because the valve cover is bent or warped and cannot get a good seal.  Hope I have been of some help good luck in your project