Proper Head / Block Preperation for HG install ???

95CobraMike

Active Member

Apr 12, 2004

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Lima OH

May 6, 2005

#1

• May 6, 2005

• #1

What is the proper preperation for installing head gaskets? meaning do i sand the surfaces, or just make sure all the crap is off from the old stuff?
putting on new Cometic head gaskets, and i have heard they are picky about block/head prep.

thanks

 

W

wytstang

Mustang Master

Mar 14, 2004

4,988

4

78

Summerville,SC missing South Fl. weather :(

May 6, 2005

#2

• May 6, 2005

• #2

Just make sure they are clear of crap. If you want use a razor blade and go over them.

 

M

mackey

Active Member

Jan 25, 2003

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Beverly, Massachusetts

May 6, 2005

#3

• May 6, 2005

• #3

Putty knife, then use laquer thinner and go over it and make sure no crap is left on it.

 

S/CBlack95GT

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Apr 6, 2003

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Tampa Palms, FL

May 6, 2005

#4

• May 6, 2005

• #4

I use a scraper that you can get from Autozone to remove the big chunks. Then I use a tough dish scrubbing pad of some sort with acetone.

 

95CobraMike

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Apr 12, 2004

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Lima OH

May 6, 2005

#5

• May 6, 2005

• #5

ok...thats what i did last time...
i did razor blade, then this sand paper type pad thing from 3M (330 grit) , then brake cleaner...there wasnt anything on them...

 

S/CBlack95GT

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Apr 6, 2003

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Tampa Palms, FL

May 6, 2005

#6

• May 6, 2005

• #6

Id be careful using sandpaper or anything like that. The grit can get down in the engine.

 

95CobraMike

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Apr 12, 2004

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Lima OH

May 6, 2005

#7

• May 6, 2005

• #7

it was blown out with compressed air after the stuff was sanded/scrapped off... then i did an oil change and coolant flush right after..

 

mo_dingo

20+ Year Stangneter

Aug 26, 2003

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Tucson, AZ

May 6, 2005

#8

• May 6, 2005

• #8

95CobraMike said:

it was blown out with compressed air after the stuff was sanded/scrapped off... then i did an oil change and coolant flush right after..

Click to expand...

The best way is to get a 110V corded drill (or a really good cordless drill, b/c you will need to use it for very long durations), and hook up a wire brush wheel to it (get them at home depot). You may want some 1/4" hex extensions.....Get multiple grades of coarseness so you have a choice.

This way the block is nice and shiny & you will get all of the carbon off the pistons. That is what I did. That will decrease your chances of pinging in the future, and it will ensure a proper HG seal.

A scraper can also scrape the metal from the block, and the pistons. Trust me, I did. The carbon can be really stubborn and heavy scraping is usually necessary. The wire brush will eliminate taking excess metal away.
Scott

 

95CobraMike

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Apr 12, 2004

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Lima OH

May 7, 2005

#9

• May 7, 2005

• #9

thanks, i'll try that, i have a wire brush attachment here