[JoeWay]

More FYI--Some people, myself included, delete the shims AND GASKET when possible, using a thin coat of RTV on the full contact area including shim points. I bolt up the housing, then sweep it with an indicator. If it can be brought into spec without a gasket, I use the RTV.

If there is NO gap at all between the ears and the block when the bolts holding the accelerator bracket are loosened, It may have been assembled this way.

Also note that gaskets vary widely in thickness. I have new housing gaskets ranging from 0.009" to 0.020", all purchased in the last few years from reputable suppliers (Bert's, Bratton's, etc.). It is not safe to assume that an installed gasket is the correct 0.010" thick.

Joe