Kurtomac

iTrader: (5)

what are you guys using to get your head gasket off the block with...how in depth are you guys going...i think in the past i dragged a razor blade as to not gouge the aluminum...any easy way? will be doing a HCI swap on my vette in the next couple weeks

johnLs1camaro

iTrader: (28)

i used a really strong plastic chizel it worked great,it was almost like a ice scrapper,and for the hard to get spots i used a very sharp metal chizel but was very very careful about getting into not getting into the block...

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

You have an 02 and thus the MLS gaskets. These are much easier to clean. I actually used my finger nail to get off the rubber stuck to the head from the gasket and then used a bamboo chopstick that was filed to look like a scraper on any tough stuff. Final clean with non-metallic Scotchbrite and denatured alcohol. Biggest concern is cleanliness so make sure you cover the lifter area real well and when done vacuum out the coolant passages around the cylinders.

camaroguy26

iTrader: (21)

I found out using a razor blade or ice scraper to get the majority of it off then using the wire brush in a dremel will take the rest of it off without hurting the aluminum.

Pharcyde50

iTrader: (11)

What ever you do DON'T use scotch brite or 3m pads.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Why, are you referring to the GM bulletin on aluminum oxide? I believe those are metallic pads that are referenced and their use is on a wheel. Can you please clarify your statement?

LS1C5Vette

iTrader: (11)

I used a steel wire wheel on a drill and it took 5 mins

Kurtomac

iTrader: (5)

steel wire is not what im planning on doing....denatured alcohol any different than rubbing alcohol?...will gasket remover work well?

Kurtomac

iTrader: (5)

any of you guys use a fine stone on the heads and block before install to make sure theres no burrs?

BadgeZ28

iTrader: (28)

AND..... make sure to thoroughly clean out the bolt holes.

RZRSEDGE

iTrader: (21)

I use brake cleaner and elbow grease. Ice scrapper wasn't the best for me as it's width makes it hard to get some parts of the block. Be sure to cover the lifter holes and I stuffed towels into the cylinders also.

1sick'98WS6

iTrader: (19)

I used lots of brake cleaner and scotchbrite pads, some people say dont use em. I have several times and had not problems. I use it after scraping with a razor blade

HEMIETR

iTrader: (2)

I have. I also bought the plastic razorblades from Summit (I think) and used lacqure thinner.

Michael V

I used Permatex gasket remover, PN 80646, and sprayed everything south of the lifter box. It made the carbon on the pistons come off easy. Then I used the non metallic scotchbrite and a plastic scraper.

Mike V

DaveX

Yes, just be careful and only after all of the gasket material is removed. For this I used a plastic scraper and razor blades, just be extremely careful not to gouge the surface.

Zitty'sZ

iTrader: (29)

I think vettenuts is correct, because the Techs at the local dealership use the regular scotchbright pads all the time to remove gasket material . I used them along with WD-40 to clean my block and pistons . They cleaned up like brand new .

02 BLK WS6

iTrader: (11)

+1

That's what I did too!

SweeTbone

iTrader: (8)

Exactly what I used, brake cleaner and green pads, and the Permatex Gasket Remover also. Don't get that **** on the paint. I got some overspray on the rear lower firewall and my paint bubbled up.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

I know someone on CF does. I couldn't find a large enough stone that was flat so I have a board sander on standby just in case.

Michael V

The Permatex is some potent stuff. I sprayed a few bolts that I had on a teflon cookie sheet just to see if it would soften the old loctite. Well it did soften the loctite some and it blistered the teflon coating on the cookie sheet. Looks like no cookies for me

Mike V