this may be a dumb question but how did you guys get all of that gunk left over from the factory head gaskets off without gouging the block or gettting all of that crap in the water jackets and cylinders?

 

Well you get crap in the cylinders. You just vacuum it out. I was really careful and used a straight razor. I was trying with the plastic ice scraper method but I guess my ice scraper deal wasn't sharp enough. It was more of a puddy knife (plastic) It won't mess it up as long as you are careful and don't get in a hurry. As far as the water jackets just stuff some paper towels in there.

 

I used a plastic ice scraper and got most of it off and then used one of those sponge like sanding blocks you use on sheet-rock to finish it. I don't think I hurt anything.

 

I used a green scratch pad....it works well, the only draw back is that there is a lot of stuff left over from it, and you have to really vacuum it out good.....

 

I use my die grinder with a wire wheel it cleans up real nice & quick, then I vacuum the rest out.

 

I crammed a rag into the lower water jackets to catch most of the scum, then vaccumed up the rest.

 

I used cheap plastic putty knives and scraped all the thick graphte off. Then i used a real soft green scotch brite pad sprayed with carb/brake cleaner to get the deck surface cleaned perfect. I put rolled up kleenex in the water jackets beforehand to keep the gasket junk out, worked perfectly.

 

I used a gasket scraper. Basically looks like a small pry bar, but the working end is flattened down and sharp as a razor blade. Worked fine.

 

I didn't think of that, probably the best idea. Wire wheels are awesome. Until they start coming apart and you step on the wires

 

or when you have to pick the wires that are stuck into ur chest/shirt or face. ha make sure u wear safey glasses

 

Ummm, the only time Ive had them come out was when brushing something hard like iron or steele with many edges. Its not bad for doing gasket clean up. The block cleans up perfect to, nice smooth & shiny with no gashes or scratches. Safety glasses are a must though anytime you use one of them.

 

Is there cleanup needed if you're removing an MLS gasket?