Thanks for the tips.
I went ahead and got everything back together. I got the anaerobic sealer and hopefully applied it well enough. Even if a tiny bit got squeezed inside from torquing it down, I assume it won't make much difference.
After application, I pushed it in tight. Gave it 10 minutes or so before I torqued it down. Let it sit for over an hour, and then started it for a few minutes. The rock rattle noise is gone and I don't see any leaks so I think I'm in good shape.