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Almost ready for reassembly of my engine.
Is it ok to use a 1/4" angle grinder, lightly to remove old gasket material and prep surface for new gasket/sealing?
How about preparing the block surface for rebuilt heads, OK there as well or do I stay with the light pressure of a single edge razor blade.
Sorry for the seemingly basic questions but I haven't rebuilt an engine in 4 decades, and it wasn't even my own back then.
Thanks
Tbruz
Here's what I like to use you just have to be careful with them. I like to turn the air down a little so it doesn't get to aggressive. These things will make sparks so you have to watch what you do but they are great. It will give you a better sealing surface than you will ever get by hand.
The roloc discs are what I use,I am a retired master auto and truck mechanic. But cautions are in order. FYI Chevy does not allow them to be used on heads and intakes. Too much debris caused issues after getting in oil system. If engine still has pistons installed. Put towels in each cylinder and all holes that would lead to pan. Always use the disc in a flat- parallel to head surface. If used on an angle will cut a grove into the steel maybe causing a leak in head gasket. Get as much off as you can with razor blade first, less grit made that way, They also make rolocs for aluminum. Be especially careful on aluminum. I use brake clean on a rag to wipe all surfaces and then blow out real good with an air hose. Haven't lost an engine yet! Knock on Wood.
I know some pro mechanics use the disks with success... some won't touch them. It is safer - and better I think - to use (very carefully) a razor blade and gasket remover if it is tough. to get off. Gasket remover is available in spray bomb and is similar to paint remover. It softens old gaskets and sealer. Daubing on some paint remover works well also. Then clean with strong solvent like lacquer thinner and rags + Scotchbrite by hand as needed.
I've always used a thick putty knife with the end sharpened to remove most of the old gasket material. I follow with a standard longboard sander with 40-80 grit paper to get the remaining gasket and to give a nice flat surface for the new gasket to adhere to. Before assembly I wipe everything down with brakeclean or acetone. If you do use any power sanders to remove old gasket material just be very careful to not remove any metal and to keep the grinder/sander parallel to the surface while sanding.
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