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Old Head Gasket Blues

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Morris

Morris

Yoda
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Well... I decided to go ahead and replace the head gasket on my '79 Midget while I have my lousy busted exhaust manifold off. Glad I made that choice because I discovered the PO left a suprise for me in the lifters. Apparently he/she dropped a screw down there at some point in the past. Gotta love those PO's.

Anyway, my question is this: when cleaning of the old head gasket, how clean is clean enough? I have scrubbed, and scraped and sanded (320 grit) and still there are stubborn bits of gasket clinging to the block. The block surface is smooth to the touch, but the gaskety bits are clearly visible.

thanks,

morris
 
HI Morris, all gaskety bits must be removed from the block and the head's surface. You might try one of those scrapers that hold a razor blade to get it cleaned off.---Keoke
 
ScotchBrite RULEZ! Even a "Rol-loc" with a medium grit pad chucked in an electric drill will make a beautiful job of residue on gasketed surfaces. Just pay attention on aluminium as you can remove "parent" material (your HEAD!) with this pad on a high speed air tool.
 
I would skip the power tools. Like Doc says, it is too easy to remove a bit of metal. The razor scraper is the best way to go. Been there several times!

Guinn
 
Yep Guinn, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif one can do more damage than a little bit using power tools on the mating surfaces of the block and head.---Keoke
 
[ QUOTE ]
The block surface is smooth to the touch, but the gaskety bits are clearly visible.


[/ QUOTE ]

If you can't feel them are you sure you're seeing them and not some kind of discoloration? Razor scrapers are good. You might also try steel wool and a light touch. I'd avoid a power tool, myself....
 
I've used the scrapers, razor blades, steel wool, all of the above and more. I understand the trepidation to go at a head with power tools as well, and appreciate it. BUT: The abrasive properties of these particular pads allows for a beautiful way to remove old gasket material quickly, without any damage to the actual part. ~With proper attention~ to what you're doing, you'll get a bespoke surface on pieces to be reassembled. It just takes some sensible application. Going at *any* job on our LBC's with a "cave man" attitude can result in damage; I doubt any owner here would do that.
 
If the "gaskety bits" you are seeing are the remnants of an old asbestos type gasket, chemical gasket stripper does a wonderful job. If you go this route, just be sure to avoid getting it in coolant passages, cylinders, etc.
Of course, you are going to use the later copper and steel sandwich type gasket on re-assembly. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Jeff
 
I have been after this thing with a razor scraper for hours and it is not giving me any love.

Oh well... patience, my pet, patience.

Where does one acquire chemical gasket stripper? Can this be purchased at Autozone?
 
Morris, I buy mine at the local NAPA store, but it should be available just about anywhere. In a pinch, good, strong paint stripper works too. Be sure and wear rubber gloves, because the stuff can burn you.
Jeff
 
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