Looking for the best method of cleaning/prepping an L33 block for head gaskets. Is there anything different with aluminum block prep vs iron.

 

Just keep in mind how soft aluminum is compared to iron.

 

These are very useful topics if accompanied by a few pics. There should be a surface specification for what kind of surface the gasket is made to seat on.

 

Yes, I do know correct surface prep, surface roughness, and gasket manufacturers specs can differ between surface materials. I've just never messed with the aluminum block surfaces.

 

Its the same as a iron block except for the need to be very very patient ,, slower is better working the surfaces..

 

Hopefully the original gasket is mls and not graphite. If it's mls just get any of the black viton rubber off from the old gaskets. Clean your head bolt holes very well. If needed, check the surface with a straight edit and feeler gauge. Clean the surface with brake clean and a cloth that doesn't leave any lint. Make sure its dry. Do the same with the heads. If it's graphite, get some new razer blades and carefully scrape the material off. Then continue with the rest of the process. Definitely will need patience if it's graphite.