Clean Head / Block New Head Gasket

93vetteguy · Post by **93vetteguy** » Sun Aug 31, 2014 6:47 pm

I need to install a new head gasket and reinstall one stud on my M38. I was wondering how I should clean the head and the block. TM 9-8012 page 109 says to clean surfaces thoroughly but it does not indicate what to use. TM-1804A page 53 said to clean the cylinder block and head thoroughly with dry-cleaning solvent or volatile mineral spirits. I have a friend that said to use a pneumatic abrasive wheel (like a scotch brite) and Naphtha. Has anyone used Naphtha? I have read that you do not want to use the abrasive wheel as it can grind into the block and make it uneven? If the mineral spirits is the way to go, I will just go and get some and not use the Naphtha that I purchased. Any suggestions?

I beleive from previous posts that I should use Permatex #1 on the head stud that came out when I removed the head.

Is there any special radiator fluid that I should get? Is the mix 50% radiator fluid and 50% water?

I am hoping to get it running one last time before I remove the body to get some work done on it and get it painted.

Thank you for your assistance!

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Sun Aug 31, 2014 7:53 pm

With any gasketed sufaces I have done, I have used mineral spirits and scotch bright by hand to clean mating surfaces.
The sealant you mentioned will work for the application of reinstalling the stud.

93vetteguy · Post by **93vetteguy** » Mon Sep 01, 2014 5:27 am

Thanks Brad for your help. I appreciate it.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Sep 01, 2014 8:47 am

Generally, when replacing a gasket on an in-service engine the only cleaning that is needed is removing old gasket material and the wee bit of carbon in the valve pocket area in both the head and the block. A wire brush will usually handle it. Then follow up with a drill mounted bush type wire brush in the valve pockets. Rag and brake cleaner gets the rest. You have the choice of brush material in steel, aluminum and brass. All work just fine. Use no gritty or fiber type abrasives on the smooth mating areas. Straight edge check the mating the surfaces. Limits of uneveness are in the manuals.

93vetteguy · Post by **93vetteguy** » Mon Sep 01, 2014 5:15 pm

Wes. Thanks again for your advice. It is a big help.