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Cleaning headgasket material

VERY CAREFULLY!
It is SO easy to knick or gouge the aluminum, never use a metal scraper. No power rotary tools with abrasive cloth wheels. They sell "gasket remover" at the auto parts stores but they have been watered down so much (in California anyway) they usually aren't worth the expense. And, when they were pretty effective, you had to be cautious not to get any into the cylinder anyway as it could etch the wall's finish which would effect ring contact.

I've found that a good quality furniture finish remover, painted on with a small brush with patience and accuracy, and then allowed to sit and work a few minutes, does about as good a job as anything.

Make sure your cylinders are all packed to the top with shop towels and use plastic scrappers.

Basically it's just one of those chores I lump together and call "doing the dishes" after a 50 guest barbecue.

If you run across an easier way, please let us all know!

Good luck!
 
There is a product called "Rapid Remover" by Rapid Tac (or something like that) that may do the trick. Folks around here that need to remove adhesive from boat decals and similar, use it. It should work well with head gasket material. Finish of with acetone. But as Jimmy suggested, make sure you have the cylinders stuffed with shop rags and use only plastic scrapers.
 
I was just curious about what other do. I usually use the 220 grit scrub pad and clean good, then wet block sand with 400 grit then clean again. I do use a sealant called hylomar blue on the head, block and gasket. I have been using it for years and never had an issue with it, I like for everything to have a near mirror finish when using ML head gaskets. Thanks for everyone's input, I like to hear others opinions on these subjects.
 
Well heck, trx125, sounds like you are head and shoulders ahead of most of us shade tree mechanics. Professor Jimmy not included, of course.
 
Rebuilt many engines(Chevy, Ford, Honda, Toyota, etc. etc). This is my first marine tear down. There is always someone out there with more knowledge, experience and proven better ways to preform certain tasks. I always ask for suggestions, advice and other past experiences. I figure it's better to learn from someone's else experience rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. I appreciate everyone's input and advice. I still can't figure out why the intake balancer pulley keeps walking off the shaft and the belt eats up the pulley. The only thing I can come up with is that maybe the belt is too tight and making it unbalanced on the shaft causing to come loose.
 

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