Abstract: A sealing assembly for use with an internal combustion engine includes a gasket of elastomeric material inserted within a groove formed in the surface of an engine part. The gasket has an anchoring portion which fits within the groove and a sealing portion extending outside of said groove. The bottom, side and top walls of the groove form a retaining portion which is at least 5% larger than the anchoring portion of the gasket at the time of assembly. The anchoring portion may expand and fill the retaining portion of the groove upon exposure to the engine fluids. At least one top wall of the retaining portion of the groove opposes a shoulder of the anchoring portion of the gasket at an interior angle of not more than about ninety degrees.