Just dropped the head off at the machine shop for cleaning and valve job and now it's time to clean up the block
Any tips/products/techniques?
Any tips/products/techniques?
Cleaning the head gasket surface
- Thread starter dudedude
- Start date
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First off your gasket is still on the block. You need to remove it in order to get to the block surface.
They sell gasket scrapers at Auto Zone, NAPA..... I've also used puddy knifes as gasket scrapers. Scrape as much as you can off with it.
Then take a flat razor to the remaining material that's left. Being careful not to scratch the block with any tools.
Next clean the area with acetone to remove any other glue or sealant that might be left over.
Repeat acetone just before reassembly clean/wipe the head and block to make sure its clean to help the new gasket adhere to the head and block.
While you've got it easy to get to rewrap your injector wires with heat tape where they pass by the EGR valve. It looks like they have seen some heat already. PHH and any other heater hose you can get to as well.
They sell gasket scrapers at Auto Zone, NAPA..... I've also used puddy knifes as gasket scrapers. Scrape as much as you can off with it.
Then take a flat razor to the remaining material that's left. Being careful not to scratch the block with any tools.
Next clean the area with acetone to remove any other glue or sealant that might be left over.
Repeat acetone just before reassembly clean/wipe the head and block to make sure its clean to help the new gasket adhere to the head and block.
While you've got it easy to get to rewrap your injector wires with heat tape where they pass by the EGR valve. It looks like they have seen some heat already. PHH and any other heater hose you can get to as well.
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I used a razor blade scraper and coarse scotch brite pads/sheets, (maroon ones). Worked out great.
Any concerns about getting debris in the passages during this process? What do you do to prevent it?
If your over worried you could always wet/dry vac after and then drain the block as well.
One thing is for sure this is not the first time someone has cleaned a block off for a head gasket.
