Clean clean clean. I try not to use any of the sealers with the exception of where gaskets meet. For example, the oil pan gasket is for the oil pan and the bottom of the timing cover. I use a bead of sealent where these meet. (at the parting line).
If you have it on a stand you should have no problem getting things clean. I use a wire wheel on the end of a drill and it strips pretty much everything.
The trick on a Pontiac is after the engine has run to where it has heated up and cooled down, you need to go back over the bolts. That is probably why you were missing a few pan bolts. You will be surprised at how loose everything will get once the gasket has had a chance to contract from heat. My intake was nearly finger loose!
Also, I personally (through experience) almost always get felpro gaskets. They seem made better to me for a lot of reasons.
|