I've been idle on this forum for quite a while, but I am finally back up and running on my 85 F250 6.9 project.
Yesterday, I dropped my heads off at the machine shop to get cleaned and pressure tested; I foresee no problems in that department. I had to pull the heads with the engine still in the truck due to lack of $ to rent a lift and stand...and I don't have a closed in garage to store it in while working on it! Is there a good way to clean the top of the block and/or cylinders with the pistons still installed and engine still in the truck? Or, are there any secrets to cleaning off the gasket surface for the head on the block? It seems to be an aluminum looking residue all over the gasket surface on the block.
Also, the pistons are all stamped .30...does this mean that these are NOT the original pistons? Thanks y'all for everything!

 

a pick would helo but .30 normaly mean ur borad 30 over

 

It's tricky to keep things clean, first off gather up all the rags you can find, stick one in each piston bore, and cut pieces if necessary to put in things like water passages etc. A shop vac can be useful too, as bits and pieces of crap that can be picked out or wiped off can sometimes be sucked up instead.

As far as cleaning the surface, I've always had the best luck just taking my time and using a scraper/putty knife/gasket scraper. Careful though, don't scratch or gouge the machined surface!!

 

they make the softer metal scrapers so it is harder to mess up the surface, just go slow and dont rush it or bad things can happen. If you scrape it or gouge it, the seal will never work again just be careful.

 

Brake cleaner, Razor Blade Scraper, and Scotch Brite Pads to finish. Don't use one of those power disc thangs.

Leave that graphite on the block till Your ready to put the heads on. It'll protect the block from moisture/rust, seeing as Your shadetreeing it

A coupla coats of spray Hylomar on the HG's does wonders.

I just finished this job last week.

 

Its irritating having to work outside aint it?

 

It sure is frustrating doing all of this work outside in the elements!
Bad news...just got the call from the machine shop...MY EFFIN' HEADS are cracked!!! ARGH!!
So...if anyone has any ideas where I can get my hands on some good 6.9 heads that would be awesome. Are heads from a 7.3 compatible with the 6.9 block??? Just hoping for more options. I'm having trouble finding what I need locally, so any help, anywhere would be very helpful!!

 

Google Clearwater heads,,,There here in florida and will ship to your door.Ive heard good things about them.Ive not used them but they were recomended by another member..Good luck

 

They will fit, but not correctly, the head bolts are different size.

Find the correct heads or a used motor!

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

gotcha. Thanks!

 

know what you meen by hard to find used idi parts in TN as most in my area was used up by a guy to run his sawmill. good luck!!!