Best way to clean junk gaskets off?

**MasonWS6** · 10-05-2015, 03:58 PM

I just pulled my heads and will be sending them out. In the mean time I'm looking for the best way to clean the surface from the left over gasket material.

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-06-2015, 10:21 AM

Get a brass wire brush, do not use stainless steel brush or wool. Brass is the only material you use with aluminum.

You can also try Permatex/Low VOC gasket remover.

**MasonWS6** · 10-06-2015, 11:33 AM

Thanks I appreciate it

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-06-2015, 12:07 PM

Are you replacing head gaskets?

I strongly recommend getting MLS gaskets. No more needing to scrap and better gasket.

**0rion** · 10-06-2015, 12:38 PM

I used scotch brite pads on mine and goo gone I believe it was to get them off.

**MasonWS6** · 10-06-2015, 01:11 PM

Yes I'm replacing the the head gaskets. Just got back from brining my heads to the machine shop to get checked out. I asked him the same question and he said don't use anything but fine grit sandpaper. He said other methods take more than you think off with aluminum. Usually around .008-.0010 of an inch

**pajeff02** · 10-07-2015, 07:58 AM

I don't think I would sand them -- scotch brite and some solvent would be the way to go.

**Whamhammer** · 10-07-2015, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

I don't think I would sand them -- scotch brite and some solvent would be the way to go.

The mechanics I worked with used the purple roloc/scotch brite "cookie" discs on aluminum surfaces.

**pajeff02** · 10-07-2015, 11:34 AM

I have used Rolocs for gasket removal but they will eat into aluminum unless you are super careful. On something critical like a block deck or head, I would not attempt it.

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-07-2015, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

I have used Rolocs for gasket removal but they will eat into aluminum unless you are super careful. On something critical like a block deck or head, I would not attempt it.

^^ this, even on iron blocks I would not use.

**Whamhammer** · 10-07-2015, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

I have used Rolocs for gasket removal but they will eat into aluminum unless you are super careful. On something critical like a block deck or head, I would not attempt it.

I thought the purple ones were specifically for aluminum, and designed not to eat into the metal?

**pajeff02** · 10-07-2015, 06:01 PM

**98TransAmWs-6** · 10-18-2015, 04:11 PM

Get the "super scraper" I have one and it removes every gasket I've used it on with ease and doesn't scratch aluminum. I've used it on removing the graphite head gaskets off an aluminum block and it didn't scratch it at all.

**pajeff02** · 10-19-2015, 03:06 AM

Not familiar with it -- is the tip squared off rather than pointed?

**98TransAmWs-6** · 10-19-2015, 03:09 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

Not familiar with it -- is the tip squared off rather than pointed?

Yes it is, you could probably scratch it if you really tried but you'd have to take the corner or something and really dig at it.

**0rion** · 10-20-2015, 03:26 AM

you can get plastic scrapers too...I worked on mine quite a bit to get it cleaned off. Goo gone, scotch brite pads, and a plastic scraper. The scotch brite and goo gone seemed to be the best combination. My deck was spotless when I put my heads on.