Cleaning surface of block

[DVS Talon]

So the heads are off and machined.

What do you clean the portion of block that the new gaskets will sit on with??

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v229/DVSTalon/100_1984.jpg

[blackfoot]

a really sharp scraper ..

people like to sharpen the end of a large file.

becareful not to gouge the deck

** not recomended to use power tools of any kind

[Jdc]

A new razor blade works great!

I have something like this I used on my last head swap:

http://www.mytoolstore.com/sk/90143.jpg

I think you can get something like it at Canadian Tire. It just holds regular razor blades.

I find to get it really clean, use the razor first to try to take up most of the stuff, and then for the little scraps use a fresh scouring pad (I think that's the real name - I call them scratchy pads, my buddy told me they're scrubby-do's... the thing for dishes) and some varsol. Just use a light touch and don't scrub too hard in one spot for too long.

Jim

[Andre]

then for the little scraps use a fresh scouring pad (I think that's the real name - I call them scratchy pads, my buddy told me they're scrubby-do's... the thing for dishes) and some varsol.

^ I think they're sold as Scotch Brite Pads, after a razor treatment they work wonders. As Jim said with some Varsol or Laquer Thinner they'll do a good job of cleaning it up.

Thanks Andre - yeah that's the ticket! Scotch Bright pads. Scrubbie-Doo is funny though so I'll be using that.

edit: also, I forgot to mention this before. Do NOT eat the old gasket bits.

[CRXZC]

Do NOT eat the old gasket bits.

Fuck...I knew I did something wrong during my last rebuild.. :evil:

[Simpo]

i preffer smoking the bits

I use gasket remover and a scraper. A lot of mechanics use the 3M pads on a die grinder but honestly that's about the worst thing you can do. Apparently 3M sells a special pad for cleaning them but I've never tried it. Use elbow grease (if that's not something your Grandmother says Andre).

-Michael

[Andre]

:D

[DVS Talon]

On another note.... is it not recommended to reinstall new gaskets and the heads when the block is cold?

I'm doing all this in my driveway and even with the +1 weather this past weekend the block is freezing to the touch.

Anyone ever complete a similar repair in the freezing cold here? How'd it work out?

[III76]

i've always worked on my cars in this cold weather. no problem..

but seriously, i think putting an engine together again should be done in normal room temperature. thats just me.

i'll be stripping & hopefully removing my heads next weekend. trying to atleast get something done before i leave for bmq.

[sleeepycivic]

The new 3m fingered plastic pads work great and for added "cover your ass" block it with 400 wet on oil, then grab a "certified" straight edge and check it 8 million different ways to make sure it's straight and check oem references for maximum limits... when ever you use a scotch pad alway do it on a block (straight as possible) all u need is to do it again. if its out of maximum tolerances, your screwwwwwwwwwwwwwed.. good luck

For the temps thing as long as the head and the block are the same temp you are usuallly ok. The trouble is the head bolts. If you're not going to use this for a super performance engine then I suggest just torquing them within factory specs but on the high side if they give you a range. In the big scope of things it probably doesn't matter that much.

-Michael