Gromit Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 Morning all! After removing the head, I'm looking at the cooked on crud on the head and block faces, where the gasket was. I've removed the remains of the gasket. I've cleaned up the surfaces with petrol but am wondering if I should try and remove the thin layer of stuff on the surface. It looks like it would scrape off with a razor, but obviosly this would damage the surface of the head/block. So how to you clean it up, or is it thin enough to be ignored and just put the new gasket on? TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon White Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 I use WD40 and a very light rub over with 1200 grit wet and dry paper. Alternately I would think that a scotchbrite pad would also work well. Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest diesel_jim Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 A drill mounted wire brush, as long as you're careful not to take gouges out of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirtydiesel Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 A da sander works very well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoSS Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 I wouldnt use wet/dry, wire brushes etc on the face. You dont want to cause any scratches or unevenness. Clean the gasket debris with a razor, the use an oil block in circular fashion. Drill / wire brush could be used on the top of the chamber, but watch out for leaving any debris in the oilways or inlets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
02GF74 Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 I've cleaned up the surfaces with petrol but am wondering if I should try and remove the thin layer of stuff on the surface. It looks like it would scrape off with a razor, but obviosly this would damage the surface of the head/block. can you narrow down to what sort of stuff it is If carbon like stuff, use oven cleaner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gromit Posted July 25, 2006 Author Share Posted July 25, 2006 can you narrow down to what sort of stuff it is If carbon like stuff, use oven cleaner. Actually, I'm not too sure what it is. I don't think it's carbon. It looks like it is where the gasket was cooked onto the block/head but it's harder than cardboard. It can be scraped off with a blade, and produces a very fine power. I would be a bit wary taking anything abraisive to the head, though what do I know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatboy Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 DIY stores sell those little plastic handles for holding Stanley Knife blades.. That allows you to keep the angle low to minimise the chances of digging into the alloy. much safer for your hands as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
02GF74 Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 Actually, I'm not too sure what it is. I don't think it's carbon. It looks like it is where the gasket was cooked onto the block/head but it's harder than cardboard. It can be scraped off with a blade, and produces a very fine power. have you considered snorting it? too hard for an old credit card to remove? or an 1 mm piece of stright edged ali sheet for a scraper? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonk Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 i always use stanley blade, careful on ali heads though, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 I use a Stanley knife blade on head & block faces, just take care of fingers & digging blade into the head/block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gromit Posted July 25, 2006 Author Share Posted July 25, 2006 Stanley blade it is then - cheers kids B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithjh Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 A da sander works very well Second that, always use a DA with fine grit pads Regards Keith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnomeranger Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 I have a handle that holds a single sided razor blade for just tha job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted July 26, 2006 Share Posted July 26, 2006 I use a wire brush in an electric drill for cast iron, and an ordinary paint scraper or Stanley blade for alloy. I've used a sander on a cast iron head, but getting grit particles into places you don't want to is a consideration. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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