cleaning the deck for new head gaskets?
cleaning the deck for new head gaskets? I have a 99ls1 block with the factory graphite gaskets, I am putting the 243 heads on this block with the 2001 up factory gm multi-layer gaskets.. the old heads had the diamond recessed into the heads requiring graphite type of factory gaskets, they left a mess, how would you clean the block surface,, should I put any type of copper coat on the multi-layers before I put them on?
Thank you for your time!!
Tinker
Thank you for your time!!
Tinker
I know of no quick way to clean the block deck - it requires time and patience. Put some rags in the cylinders to block debris. You can use razor blades to start but be careful not to gouge the surface. Plastic scrappers are also useful. For solvent I used brake cleaner.
Also getting coolant out of the bolt holes is very important to avoid cracking the block on reassembly. For that, I use twisted paper towel, but that does involve some risk because if the paper towel comes apart it can be difficult to remove.
Also getting coolant out of the bolt holes is very important to avoid cracking the block on reassembly. For that, I use twisted paper towel, but that does involve some risk because if the paper towel comes apart it can be difficult to remove.
Vacuum works well for that, plus rolling the block over on the stand so holes face the ground....gravity is your friend
I used the 3M roloc discs that are for aluminum attached to my air compressor. I know guys don't like them but getting those gaskets clean is a real pain. I had both sides done and clean enough to eat off in 15 minutes.
Make sure you cover any sensitive areas real well because it flings small particles everywhere.
Make sure you cover any sensitive areas real well because it flings small particles everywhere.
I went to autozone and if you go to the section where they have rtv, permatex sells a gasket remover that comes in a can. I used 2 cans one for each side you just apply it to the head surface and wait about 20 mins and the gasket material just kind of brushes off with a scraper
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
In the past I have actually used the green pot scrubbing pads from the kitchen to fine clean after scraping. They are not much different than the 3M pads.
I have a hardened steel scraper on the end of a screwdriver blade and use it slowly and carefully. Razor blades work well also for small spots.
I have a hardened steel scraper on the end of a screwdriver blade and use it slowly and carefully. Razor blades work well also for small spots.
Trending Topics
I used the 3M roloc discs that are for aluminum attached to my air compressor. I know guys don't like them but getting those gaskets clean is a real pain. I had both sides done and clean enough to eat off in 15 minutes.
Make sure you cover any sensitive areas real well because it flings small particles everywhere.
Make sure you cover any sensitive areas real well because it flings small particles everywhere.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
I went to autozone and if you go to the section where they have rtv, permatex sells a gasket remover that comes in a can. I used 2 cans one for each side you just apply it to the head surface and wait about 20 mins and the gasket material just kind of brushes off with a scraper
The pads I used are made for aluminum. Two years later everything is fine. I know GM had a TSB for their techs using them awhile back but that was from the particles getting everywhere, I taped everything up I thought needed it.
I went to autozone and if you go to the section where they have rtv, permatex sells a gasket remover that comes in a can. I used 2 cans one for each side you just apply it to the head surface and wait about 20 mins and the gasket material just kind of brushes off with a scraper
