An example sealing system includes a retainer for a gasket wherein the retainer protects the polished sealing surface of the seal gasket from scratches before assembly by suspending the gasket inside the retainer, regardless of orientation. A gap in the circumference of the retainer allows the retainer to flex open for insertion of the seal gasket. A small chamfer on the inner diameter of the retainer aids the insertion of the seal into the retainer. The gap in the circumference of the retainer also allows the retainer to compress to a smaller circumference for a tight fit inside the sealing counterbore. A groove in the inner diameter of the retainer includes a protruding portion for the seal to engage. The depth of this groove is configured to provide some clearance inside the retainer for the protruding edge of the seal during a complete compression of the retainer.