head gasket prep

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Aug 6, 2007 | 06:33 PM

01BlackCamaroSS

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From: Maryland

head gasket prep

I am in the middle of my heads install and im wondering how clean do i have to get the gasket surface on the engine block, i have the cometic .040 gaskets the directions say something like get the surface smooth 50ra or less what exactly r they talking about

Aug 6, 2007 | 06:38 PM

brad8266

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From: Watertown, NY

You need to clean the **** out of the head and block decks. I used a green scratch pad to get every little piece of anything off the surfaces.

You can also give the gaskets 2 light coats of permatex copper spray to ensure a perfect seal. But the key is to have a extremely clean deck surface.

Aug 6, 2007 | 06:42 PM

AutomagicLS1

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From: Spring Hill,Kansas

Go buy a couple gallons of lacquer thinner and 2-3 bags of rags and clean the holy hell out of the deck of the block lol

Aug 6, 2007 | 06:46 PM

98SS1LWEE

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used my dremel with wire brush on it, ver fine wire brush! Sprayed Engine Degreaser on it first, then dremel. Shaved a bolt down on opposite sides so i could thread it in and pull crap outta bolt holes.Highly recommend this step to get crap out, also paper towel rolls in those holes to get all coolant. Hydro-Locking Head Bolts really, really, really Sucks!!!

Aug 6, 2007 | 06:52 PM

01BlackCamaroSS

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i was using a razor blade to clean the deck surface and i got a can of the copper spray how much of it shhould i use

Aug 6, 2007 | 06:56 PM

AutomagicLS1

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 98SS1LWEE

Definitely forgot to mention that glad you did. You want to get EVERYTHING out of the bolt holes. I usually use compressed air and blow the holy **** out of the bolt holes with that air gun extension and put a rag over to absorb any moisture. You dont want to torque those head bolts down with any water down there as you cant compress liquid you will crack your block!

Aug 6, 2007 | 07:09 PM

01BlackCamaroSS

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From: Maryland

thanks for reminding me i remember my engines teacher told me about the cracking your block for thrying to torque down head bolts if there is coolant in the holes