Keep in mind one of the most important requirements of building an engine is to keep everything as clean as possible; this applies to gaskets and gasket mating surfaces also. Every surface a gasket comes in contact with must be free of dirt, water, oil, grease, etc. The surface must also be flat. Warp age should not exceed .0025” in any direction.

　　Take special care to clean the surface of old gasket material that may have stuck to either the part (oil pan, intake manifold, etc.) or the cylinder heads and block. One point often overlooked is keeping the gaskets themselves clean. This is one reason Mr. Gasket skin packages gaskets. The gaskets should not be taken out of the package until you are ready to install them.