5 replies to this topic

[BaronVonchesto]

The Victor Reinz head gasket really leaves A LOT of sticky residue when you take the head off. Took me a razor blade, a wire brush, scotch brite pads and a lot of WD-40 to get it all off both the block and head faces

 

Unfortunately even with it all removed, theres still some residue left behind as if it is baked on. You can see the pattern of where the head gasket used to be, but it is completely smooth to the touch. I even tried using kerosene and a wire brush to clean the face but it didn't do anything.

 

So my question is, how clean do the faces need to be before refitting? do they have to have a nice shiny finish, or is some staining acceptable, so long as its totally smooth to the touch?

 

I didn't lift the block out of the car, so id like to avoid using abrasives like emery cloth to polish the faces if possible....

 

Here's a pic of the face after I'd cleaned it up best I could.

 IMG_4113.JPG   58.15K   5 downloads

Edited by BaronVonchesto, 19 May 2023 - 12:19 PM.

[slidehammer]

That looks clean enough to me, as long as the surface is smooth without any raised bits of old gasket it should be fine.

I would give it one final wipe over with thinners or brake cleaner and call it done

[DeadSquare]

When lremoving a head, there is often a bit of staining on the head or the block. I only worry about it If the engine has been overheating.

[BaronVonchesto]

cheers gents! I had figure'd it'd be okay, but it's always best to ask if in doubt

[Spider]

I haven't had to clean the sealant from these gaskets off - yet, however paint thinners can be quite effective for many of these sealants. If you do use it though, be care if working around painted surfaces.

 

Also, be very very careful when using Scotchbrite and similar products. These work by having Carborundum impregnated in to the Nylon, that's the same abrasive material used in Wet & Dry sanding paper. This abrasive material does work out of the nylon as it's used for cleaning. You want to be really sure you've removed all that before assembling anything. It's fine and hard to see.

[BaronVonchesto]

I haven't had to clean the sealant from these gaskets off - yet, however paint thinners can be quite effective for many of these sealants. If you do use it though, be care if working around painted surfaces.

 

Also, be very very careful when using Scotchbrite and similar products. These work by having Carborundum impregnated in to the Nylon, that's the same abrasive material used in Wet & Dry sanding paper. This abrasive material does work out of the nylon as it's used for cleaning. You want to be really sure you've removed all that before assembling anything. It's fine and hard to see.

 

I did not know that! I've flushed my head thoroughly with water, but as for my block... wipe it down with a brake cleaner and a lint free cloth then hope for the best I guess?

Edited by BaronVonchesto, 19 May 2023 - 07:52 PM.