Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Engine Gasket Surface Preparation
To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface preparation must be performed, especially with the use of aluminum engine components and multi-layer steel cylinder head gaskets.
Never use the following to clean gasket surfaces:
- Metal scraper (1).
- Abrasive pad or paper to clean cylinder block and head.
- High speed power tool with an abrasive pad or a wire brush (2).
Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require a scratch free sealing surface.
Only use the following for cleaning gasket surfaces:
- Solvent or a commercially available gasket remover.
- Plastic or wood scraper (4).
- High speed power tool with a plastic bristle brush style disc (3).
Sealing surfaces must be free of grease or oil residue. Clean surfaces with Mopar® brake parts cleaner (or equivalent).
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.