FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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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:
- Never use a metal scraper.
- Never use an abrasive pad or paper to clean cylinder block and head.

Figure 1:





- Never use a high speed power tool or wire brush on any gasket sealing surface.

NOTE: Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require a scratch free sealing surface.

Only use the following for cleaning gasket surfaces:
- use Mopar(R) Brake and Parts Cleaner
- use only a plastic or wood scraper.