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FORM 97140220 (Rev A) 01/12
ENGINE REBUILDER OVERHAUL GASKET KIT
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Here are some installation tips which can be useful in
any application.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Allow engine to cool before disassembly – This is
especially important with aluminum heads or engine
blocks. The risk of warpage is greatly increased if the
engine is disassembled while hot.
INSPECT OLD GASKETS (IF POSSIBLE)
If original gaskets were leaking, determine if there
was a problem with the mounting surface. Check
flanges and surface area for straightness, deep
scratches or imperfections. Repair or replace as
necessary.
CLEAN ALL MATING SURFACES
Remove all gasket material, oil, grease, rust etc. from
mounting surface using a wire brush, scraper or gasket remover. When cleaning aluminum surfaces be
very careful not to damage, scratch or nick the surface
area.
ENGINE FASTENERS
On newer engines built today, torque-to-yield head
bolts have been used. Most of these cannot be
reused and must be discarded; new bolts must be
used. Mr. Gasket has available premium fasteners for
most engine applications.
Refer to the engine service manual when in doubt if
bolts can be reused. When reusing bolts, thoroughly
clean bolt threads and shoulder of bolt under the
head, be sure to remove all foreign material. Carefully
check entire bolt for damage such as stretched
threads or evidence of galling. Where there is any
doubt, do not use it. Replace it with a new bolt.
INSURE CORRECT FIT
Always test-fit the gasket to insure you have the
correct gasket for your application.
Using a straight edge and feeler gauge, check the
mating surfaces for flatness. Each surface must be
checked four different ways. Check the length, width,
corner-to-corner and opposite corner-to-corner. Deck
flatness should not exceed .003” for both cylinder
head and block combined. If the allowable tolerance
is exceeded, the mating surface must be machined
and brought back to proper specifications.
Never enlarge, restrict, or modify any head gasket
yourself. Overheating and premature engine failure
will result.
Do not use any type of sealer on composition type head
gaskets.
IMPORTANT! Use thread sealing enhanced pipe sealant on
head bolts entering water coolant passages. Lightly lubricate
all other bolt threads with moly lube or 10W30 motor oil.
EXTRA HOLE
TOWARDS FRONT
Ford 351C/M - 400
EXTRA HOLES
TOWARDS BACK
Ford 260 - 351W
EXTRA HOLE
TOWARDS BACK
Ford 429 - 460
HEAD GASKETS
Reverse torque sequence when removing head bolts.
Thoroughly clean all engine block threads and head
bolt threads.
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Always follow factory torque sequence and values
during installation. Bring head bolts up to torque
specifications in multiple steps using a smooth, even
motion to get the most accurate reading possible.
DO NOT USE AN AIR WRENCH!
INTAKE GASKET
Always check for misalignment between cylinder
head and intake manifold, especially if surfaces have
been machined.
Use Mr. Gasket #7808 Blue Silicone sealant to hold
side gaskets in place during installation to avoid
gasket shift.
Apply a small bead of Mr. Gasket #7808 silicone sealer
at the end seal and manifold side gasket mating point
if applicable.
Torque intake bolts in sequence to factory torque values.
EXHAUST GASKET
Check surface for straightness and nicks or cracks
that will hinder the seal.
VALVE SEALS
Inspect valve stem tip for sharp edges, excessive
wear, and mushrooming. Repair or replace as necessary.
Insure valve guide end play is within manufacturers’
tolerances.
Positive type seal – Push seal down until it sits
squarely on the guide boss.
Umbrella type seal – Push seal down until it touches
the guide boss, it will position itself correctly once
engine is started.
O-ring type seal - Lightly lubricate seal, then install
on second groove of valve stem.
REAR MAIN SEAL
Check crankshaft for smoothness, if nicked
scratched, or grooved, remove roughness and polish
with fine emery cloth.
Rubber seals – Use engine oil to lightly lubricate lip
of seal to avoid damage during initial start-up.
Install gasket with steel facing towards the exhaust
manifold (steel face gaskets are included in some
gasket kits).
VALVE COVER GASKET
Completely degrease valve cover and clean mounting
surfaces.
Insure mounting flanges are straight, if excessively
distorted replace cover.
Use gasket sealant to hold gasket to valve cover during
installation. Do not over-torque, cover will distort.
OIL PAN GASKET
Clean both oil pan and engine block mounting surfaces.
Insure mounting flanges are straight, if excessively
distorted replace oil pan.
Use gasket sealant to hold side rail gaskets in place.
You can mount side rail gasket and seals to pan or
block, whichever is your preference.
Apply a small bead of Mr. Gasket #7808 Blue Silicone
sealer at the end and side rail gasket mating point.
Rope seals – Trim ends flush with block and use
general purpose automotive grease to lubricate crank
side of rope seal to avoid damage during initial start-up.
Side seals (if applicable) – Lubricate side seals with
engine oil to ease installation. Original cap seals may
have used metal pins to hold seals in place. DO NOT
use metal pins with our seals. Our design uses a specially
formulated seal material that swells when it comes in
contact with oil so the metal pins are not required.
Apply a thin layer of Mr. Gasket #7808 Blue Silicone
sealer on rear main cap to engine block mating surface.
TIMING COVER SEAL
Carefully and evenly press seal into housing.
Lightly lubricate seal lip with engine oil to prevent
damage during initial start-up.
Once the gasket assembly is completed, assemble
other components, start the engine and check for
leaks. If a leak is detected, stop engine immediately
and locate the source of the problem and correct.
Run engine until it reaches operation temperature,
continuing to check for leaks. Be sure engine is
completely sealed and free from leaks.
MR. GASKET IS A TRADEMARK OF PRESTOLITE PERFORMANCE
10601 MEMPHIS AVE. #12, CLEVELAND, OH 44144
216.688.8300 FAX 216.688.8306
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FORM 97140220
(Rev A)
01/12
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