Does the block need to be deck for a head swap?

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Jul 31, 2014 | 02:43 AM

LS325ci

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Does the block need to be deck for a head swap?

Im a bit confused on this. I have done a few head gasket swap and have always had to clean the gasket off pretty much to bare metal(I have only worked on iron blocks)

at one shop i work they used a small circle air (die?) sander and sanded it. Made me cringe(thinking of uneven surface) but it worked(and was fast method).

when I work on turbo engines they have to be machined.

so why is it on ls1 the only tools used to clean the block surface is a plastic ice scrapper?
I was looking at ls1howto.com
is it b/c its aluminum that you can leave some of the old graphite on?(not going to bare metal according to the DIY)

seems like it would blow a HG if not cleaned all the way.

is that really all it takes for the ls1?

I may do the heads first if it is.

Jul 31, 2014 | 04:07 AM

Always2Slow

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Many people recommend the plastic ice scrapper because the aluminum is soft and can be damaged if other methods are used or cause waves if not done properly with a cookie disc.

Jul 31, 2014 | 06:14 AM

Paul Bell

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Scotch-Bright does a great job and doesn't disturb the surface.

Jul 31, 2014 | 09:59 AM

redbird555

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What paul said... I usually go to the auto parts store and get permatex gasket remover in a can and it literally melts the rubber stuff of the surface then I use a plastic scraper or metal razor blade and VERY lightly finish cleaning it up. Done 3 head swap and never had an issue