These are important:

- Take the head bolts out in the opposite of the torqueing pattern (see below)

- If you don't have a torque wrench, buy or borrow one. An inexpensive one will work, don't need a fancy ratchet type. If you don't use a torque wrench, there's a good chance the gasket will faill after driving it for a while, or the bolts break if you tighten too much.

- As mentioned, get the head and block surface clean (no grease, no tiny remnants of the old gasket). Use a scraper and maybe a little ether spray to chase it off. Make sure nothing gets in the cylinders or oil passages, and clean out the bolt holes when done. Oil or water in the bolt holes will prevent proper torqueing. You can use a straw to blow out the bolt holes.

- Check for straightness of the head. Often it won't need machining, even after a blown gasket, but you want to be sure. Place a quality straightedge across the head surface and use a feeler gauge to check any warp. The spec is that it can be up to 0.004 in. (0.1 mm). If it's over this, get the surface machined flat (milled). Keep in mind that the "normal" warp is up to 0.05 mm, so yes even new heads aren't perfectly flat. A good straight edge is a precision device, so you might have to round up an old mechanic friend or have a shop check it.

- don't use gasket sealer (according to my repair book and most gasket makers ...) unless your qasket maker specifically recommends it

- The oil bolt goes in Number One position (has a T mark, hollow head or is shaped differently)

- Generally, for any engine, tighten the middle bolts first, then work your way outside in a circular pattern, like this:

| 9 | 10|
| 5 | 6 |
| 1 | 2 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 8 | 7 |
__front__

Nissan's pattern is slightly different; this is the circular pattern.

This is done in three steps, my book doesn't say exactly what, so you can guess at the exact amounts, for example:
1. Tighten all 2/3 torque
2. Tighten all 80% torque
3. Final-tighten full torque

Torque specs (engine cold):

A12 33-36 ft-lb 4.5-5.0 Mkg (to engine # A12-470084)
A12 40-43 ft-lb 5.5-6.0 Mkg (from engine # A12-470085)
A14 51-54 ft-lb 7.0-7.5 Mkg