headgasket installation ??

[AStutz]

hi i am replacing my head gasket on my 1993 cummins does anyone have any suggestions on what to clean the surface of the block and head with and what type of sealer should i use with the gasket

 

[Greenleaf]

Everyone has an opinion as to what works best to clean the surface. Some use Scotch Bright, some use very fine sand paper. Some say this will contaminate the cylinder walls with grit. Some like to use a scouring pad for dirty dishes with a little parts cleaner. I use the Scotch Bright pads mounted to a 2" adapter and 90* die grinder. There are several different grades [textures] to choose from. You won't need anything too awful coarse to polish the surface.



Use nothing on the gasket, it's self is enough, unless recommended by the manufacturer.



Scott

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

sharp gasket scraper--and don't cut into the iron, then a single edged razor blade in a holder. lacquer thinner wiping several times. use at least 100 q-tips to mop out all head bolt holes so nothing will be pushed out onto the deck. Nothing on the gasket, put it on dry. torque to 115-120 in 4-5 steps using factory torquing order. There are a lot of details in the archives, first gen forum from a year or thereabouts ago.

 

[JLEONARD]

Warning about using scotchbrite!!

A few years ago my son worked at a Goodyear as an auto tech.

Goodyear came out with a rule banning the use of scotchbrite on any part of the engine that could not be removed and cleaned in a wash tank.

Apparently they had to replace too many engines because the particles got into the oil pan and ruined the engine.

If you use scotchbrie be extra careful to make sure nothing gets into the oil system.

A gasket scraper is the best thing to use IMHO.

Good luck.

Jay