I am in the process of replacing my head gasket and I was wondering what is the best method to clean the bottom of the head and top of the block from old gasket material and carbon build-up. Thanks for all recomendations.

Travis -

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I use a razor blade, that way you can keep carbon and gasket material from falling into the oil passages, and the cylinders. I use compressed air and a rag to clean out the head bolt/stud holes on the block. -

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As far as the head goes, you should be getting it decked, to make sure its straight and true. Should run you about $100 at a machine shop, might be a few bucks higher around you.

As far as cleaning off the block goes, a Scotch Brite pad seems to work the best, after scraping everything off with a scraper or putty knife, or a razor as mentioned before. You'll at least want to check for any high or low spots on the deck of the block, if you find one, run a block with some 220 grit over it, then work all the way to 400 (you shouldn't need to, but occasionally they'll be a little off, I always at least check). The last step is the Scotch Brite, it'll clean everything off, without risking damage to the block. -

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like said above..a good razorblade.....then I would use a new stone and some cutting oil and give it a once over................its amazing the high spots you will find -

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The head is going to get magnafluxed and resurfaced this week to make sure that there is nothing wrong with it. -