Head Gasket Prep

[jdtower23]

Preparing to install new head gaskets on my 4.3 OMC.....used a scraper a little on the block but it still looks dirty.....it it ok to sand it lightly? If not, what should I do?

Also, while taking the gaskets off some pieces fell into my pistons.......what's the best way to get it out? Some stuff is sitting right on the edge of the piston and it's hard to just wipe out....

Thanks,
John

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Head Gasket Prep

You can try turning the engine by hand until each piston comes to the top.
This will make it easier to remove the debris.....compressed air can help.......I had a can or compressed air from work that came in handy.

 

[Coors]

Re: Head Gasket Prep

next time, smear grease around the cylinder walls and the piston- it catches the crap.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Head Gasket Prep

shop vac.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Head Gasket Prep

Shop vac, stuff rags in all the way to the top of the cylinders, use a "utility razor blade" to get majority and then a wire brush wheel on a drill. Angle the drill so the debris from the brush shots away from the cylinder. Shop vac again real good, pull rags and shop vac again real good.
Also if the metal is not clean as a new spoon your chances go up a hundred time that the head gasket will fail.
Last and no disrespect but I would not spin the motor at all. If something squeezes in between a ring and the cylinder you are done and it can happen in a single stroke.

 

[Coors]

Re: Head Gasket Prep

yep, you smear the grease in before starting work.

 

[jdtower23]

Re: Head Gasket Prep

Thanks guys.....now, the wire brush won't hurt anything? I have a 19.2 v electric drill....would that be sufficient? Any particular type of wire brush?

Appreciate the help