Cleaning for new head gasket?

[RJ138]

I'm in the middle of replacing my head gasket and have to clean the engine deck for the new head gasket. What should I use and do you have any techniques that have worked well for you in the past.

Thanks in advance,
Ryan Johnson

[1mean88z]

brand new box cutter blade will do the trick

single edge razor blades work well for me. After you've cleaned off all the old gasket, you should use some acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean all the oil and grease off the surface of the block so that the gasket can bond well.

[RJ138]

Is there any recomended cleaner? There is some oil and collant crust on it?

I went over it with the blade and it worked somewhat, I was just wondering if it needs to rubbed down and clean with something also.

Thanks,
Ryan Johnson

[RJ138]

Okay thanks, just disregard my pervious post as I wrote it while you posted.

One more question, should I rub some oil on the cylinder walls so they don't rust while the head is off? I won't be able to put the head on until next weekend.

Thanks again,
Ryan Johnson

Yes, oil the walls down, and the surface of the block until your ready to re-assemble. Then clean it all off before you assemble it. If you have to have it apart for more than a week, use wheel bearing grease.

[iTurbo]

I used an 11mm tap to clean out the head bolt threads in the block. Considering all the crap that came out, I'm glad I did it.

Oh yeah, that's an important thing to do too. I usually just use an air compressor/nozzle, works well enough, just make sure to wear safety glasses.

Are you using new head bolts or are you putting studs in?

[RJ138]

Quote:

Are you using new head bolts or are you putting studs in?

I have a set of ARP head studs that I will be using.

i am in the process of doing this to.......... the walls on my cylinders have a small amount of surface rust........ when i picked up the car the head was off......... had been off for about a month or so and got some surface rust....very little though...... how would i clean this off?............. i cleaned the surface of the block with alchohol like you said and got it clean........... also how exactly do you clean the holes where the head bolts go in?.......... can you use a vaccum or something?......... i dont know how to clean in there.......... also should i buy new head bolts just to be sure it gets done right?...............

Will

Quote:

Originally posted by iTurbo I used an 11mm tap to clean out the head bolt threads in the block. Considering all the crap that came out, I'm glad I did it.

[scarling_666]

i use compressed air, i bet you could cut a long piece ov rag and stick it in there and turn it a big, possibly? maybe even a modified toothbrush (make sure it's not the one u use to brush ur teeth tho )

[LancerShelby]

I use a razor blade and brake cleaner to prep the 2 sides(block and head) and never had a problem. As for rust on the walls, if it's minor surface rust, just use some steel wool/scotchbrite whatever and then put a light coat of engine oil on it. I would never use grease on it.

[turbovanman]

If it has slight rust, leave it. As soon as your run the engine, it will be gone. If you try to polish it off, you could wreck the finish then the ring seal might be affected. WD40 or similiar can be sprayed on the bores and left on, it will burn off when started.
As for cleaning the bolt holes, DON'T use a tap. Taps remove metal and will weaken the threads. Go buy a proper thread chaser and no damage will occur

[iangoround]

after i got the big chunks off with a razor and some gasoline, i went over the entire mating surface on the block with my palm sander and 150 grit sandpaper. it was nice and clean and shiney when i was done. i did the head with 320 grit because its softer, but i think 150 would work just fine.