Cleaning Head Gasket Surfaces

Shawn in PA · Mar 15, 2011

How do you all clean the mating surfaces when doing head gaskets? I'm doing one on a SM. Usually I just use a bunch of razor blades, with some brake clean. I've always been under the impression that scratching the surface with a wire wheel or similar was a no go. Appreciate any input. Thanks. Shawn

Jim350 · Mar 15, 2011

The way you do it is fine.
You can also use some really fine emery cloth with a solvent.

I would use 1000 or 1200 grit.

Protect inside the cylinders to keep small particles from getting in. I try to find a plastic lid or something that fits into the cylinder tight and seal the edges with grease to keep particles out.

Jim350 · Mar 15, 2011

If you don't want to drop the pan and flush the engine oil galleys and coolant passages don't do the deck with emery cloth.

The engine will have to be cleaned really well.

Shawn in PA · Mar 15, 2011

I like the lid with grease idea. I"ll try that. I was afraid of using scotch brite pads and such because I was worried about getting fibers in the engine. Thanks for the tip.. Shawn

charles todd · Mar 15, 2011

Scotch Brite pad (2"-3) on a backing pad for an air die grinder. These do wonders on gaskets. I can upload a pic of them if you'd like.

CT

Dblair · Mar 16, 2011

I use a gasket scraper . don't use any with grit.

Janicholson · Mar 16, 2011

THis is the answer. Do not do this on aluminum without practice, it is agressive enough to be problematic. On cast it is wonderful. Jim

John in Ct · Mar 16, 2011

Could you post a picture. Is that the plastic bristle pads that come in white, yellow and green? Thanks!!

Janicholson · Mar 16, 2011

Scotch Brite Non woven Surface Conditioning Disks are the descriptors needed They come in Rolock, or hook and loop attachment to the arbor for a drill or angle grinder. Jim

jcwag · Mar 16, 2011

we use the 3M roloc discs. we get them at napa or on ebay. we like the 2 inch and a angle die grinder.

Tom Fleming · Mar 16, 2011

well, seems I am the odd man out. I use a fine wire wheel to clean up both the block and the head on a 4" grinder. I also change the oil and the anti freeze when done, which includes taking the oil pan off to clean out anyting that may have dropped down.

Shawn in PA · Mar 16, 2011

Hey Tom,
Oil pan's already out. I couldn't have slept without at least taking a look at the bottom end. The oil looked bad, but the inside looked good. A little touch of water really can turn oil into coffee. I'm gonna clean it up good and the antifreeze will get changed as well, it's due. Appreciate your input. Everyone's got their own ways. That's why I asked the question...Shawn

usetob · Mar 19, 2011

3M roloc disc will make it look like a new nickel

Cleaning Head Gasket Surfaces

Shawn in PA

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Jim350

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Jim350

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Shawn in PA

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charles todd

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Dblair

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Janicholson

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John in Ct

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Janicholson

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jcwag

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Tom Fleming

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Shawn in PA

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usetob

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