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

 

i mild buffing wheel on a grinder of some kind and the spray gasket remover

danny

 

we use a angle grinder with a red 3m scotch brite pad....dont bare down on it tho, or use a razor blade
Side note~never use the angle grinder on a alumnuim head...our CTD cast metal heads are ok tho.

 

scotch brite pad and wd40

 

Non-clor brake cleaner to soften chunks, then a 90 degree mini air angle grinder with a greeen 2 inch Scotch Brite bristle pad. This combo is the bomb for gasket removal.

 

What Lloyd says.

I would advise against grinders and powered tools to remove gasket material from heads...

It does not need to look brand new just make sure it is cleaned up.

 

as long as the scotch brite pad is not the really course one air angle grinders are fine...but never use power/air tools on a aluminuim head.the green bristle bush pads like dundun98 posted are AWESOME too...
I guess the cr heads wont take much anyway since they use the MLS gasket...hand pads would probaly be enough to clean it good.

 

Yep, thanks Justin for the tip. LOL You gave that to me over 53,000 miles ago and this stock head gasket has held every since.