BigRich954RR

iTrader: (1)

When using the MLS gaskets when you change the heads. How does the block look? Clean like the day it was decked ? People have told me they have reused MLS gaskets before so IM guessing nothing sticks to the block/heads.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

They should be clean, smooth and flat. Don't leave any leftover old gasket. I use nylon scotchbrite and denature alcohol to clean and then do a final wipe down with lacquer thinner.

Most important, don't get anything into the lifter area. If you are putting in new lifter, leave the old ones in place while you are cleaning then remove. I have a boroscope and both times I have had my lifters out, being very very careful I found little pieces of dirt in the oil gallery that needed to be removed.

Droptopws6

iTrader: (13)

He was asking if the block would have any gasket material after the use of MLS gaskets. I had the graphite factory gaskets on my 97 and the block was really dirty. I replaced with MLS but dont know what its going to look like if they ever have to come off. I do know, I would never reuse a head gasket. The MLS gasket has some material on it but Im not sure if its a silicon type or what.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Yes it will. There will be little strips of rubber from the gasket stuck to the block. Best way to remove is with your finger nails, it comes right off and no risk to scratching the block.

BigRich954RR

iTrader: (1)

ok thanks guys yea i wasnt really sure how to ask that question, but i got the answer i was looking for. I just remember working on the old block chevys they were a btch cleaning off old head gasket

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

If it has MLS now, it will clean easy. Just be very careful of anything getting into the lifter oil gallery.

need4z

iTrader: (5)

I always used WD40 and a final wipe of carb cleaner on a clean lint free towel to clean the deck surface. Is that still OK now?

Shawn MacAnanny

iTrader: (12)

I use Xylene to wipe down just about any parts im trying to clean first. It doesnt evaporate like laquer thinner does and then i scrape the surface down carefully with a razor blade scraper.