Topic: Gasket surface cleaning

[kaysystems]

We all know that a surface needs to be clean for a gasket to stick, especially the head gasket with it's oil passages.

What do you folks use to clean the metal surfaces. Any special instructions for the head?

David

[malcolmgb]

I use a wide scraper to remove gasket so as not to cut into the aluminium then clean the surface with acetone.

[Jonesy]

I use a single-sided razor blade scraper that has been dulled slightly so it won't tend to gouge the aluminum. It takes a bit of a knack to find the best angle so that it wil still remove gasket but not dig in. Then for the small stubborn spots I'll hold the blad perpendicular to the surface and lightly scratch it back and forth. The trick is to go really lightly. I'll finish but spraying the surface with carb or brake cleaner to help loosen the last bits and scrub it by hand with a Scotch-Brite pad. It's worked well for me for the last 2 engines I've had apart.

[supersport_CB400F]

I used and old store card/credit card  they’re stiff and plastic and wont harm the metal, never use a hard metal on gasket faces…scary guys! 

[Ibsen]

Cellulose thinner will loosen up the remains of almost any gasket, making them very easy to scrape off. It also works like a dream for removing the remains of the Hondabond on the crankcase mating surfaces.

[kaysystems]

Thanks guys.

Got all the gasket off the head. Now for the scotchbrite, to give a nice bonding surface. My gasket only stuck to 50% of the head. Unfortunately not at the oil holes. It has been skimmed & is nice and shiney.....too shiney

David

[Jonesy]

I was at a shop that carries all kinds of bits for air tools and they had these cool gasket removers. They are rubber discs with heavy finger-like projections. The strip away gasket material and will not harm aluminum. I wish I'd found these 2 weeks ago....