Paying attention to details, and keeping your tools and engine components pristine are key to doing a good job when you replace a Pontiac head gasket. This is a job that requires a lot of time - plan for at least two whole days-and patience. That's because you have to expect that you will need to do some other major engine work while you are at it, such as a valve job and resurfacing the head and checking the head for cracks. For those reasons, installing a new Pontiac head gasket can save you a lot of money in repair bills. To do the job right, make sure that your hands are free of dirt and oil whenever you touch a gasket, which must be kept very clean to ensure a tight seal. With a clean surface on the gasket, head and blocks, you will protect the Pontiac head gasket seal. An improper seal will also subject the gasket to excess friction that will shorten its lifespan. Clean the head and block areas to remove any corrosion and dust, but be careful not to scratch the surface with too harsh abrasives or scrubbing brushes. Finally, consult your Pontiac repair manual and the gasket instructions about the proper level of the surface flatness and surface finish of your Plymouth head. Plan to straighten, align and then resurface the head to reach the specs.