For 1990-2009 cars

### Gasket Reuse and Applying Sealant

• | Do not reuse any gasket unless specified.

• | Gaskets that can be reused will be identified in the service procedure.

• | Do not apply sealant to any gasket or sealing surface unless specified in the service procedure.

### Separating Components

• | Use a rubber mallet in order to separate the components.

• | Bump the part sideways in order to loosen the components.

• | Bumping of the component should be done at bends or reinforced areas of the component to prevent distortion of the components.

### Cleaning Gasket Surfaces

• | Use care to avoid gouging or scraping the sealing surfaces.

• | Use a plastic or wood scraper in order to remove all the sealant from the components.

• | Do not use any other method or technique to remove the sealant or the gasket material from a part.

• | Do not use abrasive pads, sand paper, or power tools to clean the gasket surfaces.

- | These methods of cleaning can cause damage to the component sealing surfaces.

- | Abrasive pads also produce a fine grit that the oil filter cannot remove from the engine oil.

- | This fine grit is an abrasive and can cause internal engine damage.

### Assembling Components

• | Assemble components using only the sealant (or equivalent) that is specified in the service procedure.

• | Sealing surfaces must be clean and free of debris or oil.

• | Specific components such as crankshaft oil seals or valve stem oil seals may require lubrication during assembly.

• | Components requiring lubrication will be identified in the service procedure.

• | Apply only the amount of sealant specified in the service procedure to a component.

• | Do not allow the sealant to enter into any blind threaded holes, as the sealant may prevent the fastener from clamping properly or cause component damage when tightened.

| Important: Do not overtighten the fasteners.

• | Tighten the fasteners to the proper specifications.