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Head Swap surface prep?

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Old 01-12-2010, 01:56 PM
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Default Head Swap surface prep?

Im in the process of swapping the heads on my ls block. What is the best way to clean the deck surface and clean off all the old crap from the graphite headgaskets that were on there? I want to keep it as clean and smooth as possible, but the motor is practically new, so i dont wanna tear it down to get milled flat.

it will be seeing boost as well. so would it be beneficial to get the heads o-ringed? They are kinda dirty, so i was gonna have them hot tanked. ill probably have them mill them flat as well while im at it. Anyone got a shop recommendation?
Old 01-13-2010, 06:31 PM
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A Plastic ice scraper will work.
Old 01-13-2010, 06:39 PM
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Believe it or not I found a bamboo chopstick that is filed down like a scraper works great.
Old 01-13-2010, 06:45 PM
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Always used single edged razor blades.... never had a problem...
Old 01-13-2010, 07:10 PM
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When I did mine I used a plastic scraper set from Harbor Freight to get all the big stuff. And to get it perfect I scrubbed the surface with a Mr. Clean magic eraser with laquer thinner **** works wonders!!!! It does fall apart so just make sure you block all the passages GL
Old 01-13-2010, 07:35 PM
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Razor blade and it's done.
Old 01-13-2010, 07:41 PM
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I to used a razor blade, make sure its a new one. Take your time. Some people say light sanding with 400 grit sand paper to get a better sealing surface with MLS gaskets.
Old 01-13-2010, 11:07 PM
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I have always used a razor blade. it has worked fine a 1/2 dozen times for me thus far.
Old 01-13-2010, 11:14 PM
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+1 for the razor blade and make sure its sharp!

Just watch your knuckles that aluminum is sharp as hell!!!

A clean non shedding rag with some brake clean for final clean up is all i do.
Old 02-03-2010, 03:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Cliff
Razor blade and it's done.
This and 1000 grit sandpaper worked very well.




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