An automobile engine is a combination of many machined, honed, polished and lapped surfaces with tolerances that are measured in the ten-thousandths of an inch. When any internal engine parts are serviced, care and cleanliness are important. A liberal coating of engine oil should be applied to friction areas during assembly in order to protect and lubricate the surfaces on initial operation. Throughout this section, it should be understood that proper cleaning and protection of machined surfaces and friction areas is part of the repair procedure. This is considered standard shop practice even if not specifically stated.

Notice: Engine damage may result if an abrasive paper, pad, or motorized wire brush is used to clean any engine gasket surfaces.

Whenever the valve train components are removed for service, they should be kept in order. This should be done in order to install the parts in the same locations and with the same mating surfaces as when removed.

The battery cables should be disconnected before any major work is performed on the engine. Failure to disconnect the cables may result in damage to the wire harness or other electrical parts. For more information on the disconnection of the battery, refer to Section 6DA.