Another Head gasket question
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: mckenna wa
Another Head gasket question
I am in the Mounting stage of a gasket job. I am cleaning off the old gasket material from the block. I had the heads checked and resurfaced. I am having a difficult time getting the block clean of the old gasket material. I am using simple green and a very small wire brush. I cant seem to get it off. Is there any other method used to get a nice clean mounting surface on the block? Your help is appreciated as always.
Duke
Duke
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: West Virginia
a lot of engine techs use brown, blue, or green roloc 3m scotch brite pads on a cordless drill to get the old material off, but then I've also heard thats bad and can damage the sealing surface... but I know for a fact that a LOT of techs do it. If you are worried you could go to the blue or green, they are less aggressive. Keeping them wet while you work at them can help, too... try gasket stripper or if you are pinched and can't get to a parts store carb cleaner works pretty well and even brake cleaner will work too.
stop using the wire brush, you should never use a wire brush on a gasket mating surface. Wire scores the surface and can permanently scratch it, requiring resurfacing. If there are portions of the gasket that won't come off you can use disposable razor blades or the "glass scraper" type razor blade holders, just be really carefully to hold them close to parallel to the block so you don't scrape it up.
stop using the wire brush, you should never use a wire brush on a gasket mating surface. Wire scores the surface and can permanently scratch it, requiring resurfacing. If there are portions of the gasket that won't come off you can use disposable razor blades or the "glass scraper" type razor blade holders, just be really carefully to hold them close to parallel to the block so you don't scrape it up.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Saratoga Springs,UT
Oreilys sells some stuff called gasket remover worked good last time I did heads let it soak for a few
Dont use the wire brush maybe alittle abraisive use a old tooth brush
I used a glass scraper razor but be very careful not to nick the block
I beleive that there is also a plastic scraper for this to
Just get it smooth and clean best you can and dont worrey about any of the metal thats stained or discolored
Just clean and smooth
Dont use the wire brush maybe alittle abraisive use a old tooth brush
I used a glass scraper razor but be very careful not to nick the block
I beleive that there is also a plastic scraper for this to
Just get it smooth and clean best you can and dont worrey about any of the metal thats stained or discolored
Just clean and smooth
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: mckenna wa
cab on I ended up using a scraper and acetone it worked good then I wiped it with simple green to get the acetone film off. I think I am set. Thank you all. I got one side down and about to mount that then start on the other side. If you have any other suggestions about anything having to do with this project feel free to lay it down 
. I have read about every head gasket replacement forum on this website over the last 3 months hopefully I got it covered but you never know. Have a good one
Duke
. I have read about every head gasket replacement forum on this website over the last 3 months hopefully I got it covered but you never know. Have a good oneDuke
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: mckenna wa
yea I have the studs and a bunch of other stuff allot of people recommended like oil cooler, egr delete ( which has allot of controversy between the delete and the bulletproof egr). push rod seals, new stand pipes, My turbo broke in half when my head gasket went so new turbo, heads resurfaced and checked. bigger down pipe. There are a few other things I want to get before im finished but I ran out of cash lol so I have to wait just need it done before archery season opens up so I can go get my elk!
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From: U.P of Michigan
yea I have the studs and a bunch of other stuff allot of people recommended like oil cooler, egr delete ( which has allot of controversy between the delete and the bulletproof egr). push rod seals, new stand pipes, My turbo broke in half when my head gasket went so new turbo, heads resurfaced and checked. bigger down pipe. There are a few other things I want to get before im finished but I ran out of cash lol so I have to wait just need it done before archery season opens up so I can go get my elk!
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: mckenna wa
I removed the mud guard above the left front tire and the AC box cover on the head side. Biggest problem I had was finding how to remove the stand pipes I ended up damaging them and had to make a little tool to get it off. They sell a similar tool. I took everything in the front of the motor off until I could stand infront of the motor. Other hard thing was finding a diesel shop that could mill the 6.0 heads.
Congrats on the buck
Congrats on the buck
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From: mckenna wa
Oh good deal from what I heard they have to have special hardened dies for the 6.0 I was turned away by 6 diesel shops because they dident have the dies that would do the job so check with him. Atleast that's what they all told me.