Rebuilding the head. Its at the machine shop. And im in the process of cleaning up the block surface and would like some input on how to proceed without screwing up the surface. Here is a pic of what it looks like now, still need to clean 2 pistons. My concern is the corrosion around each cylinder. I've cleaned with a razor and scotch brite w brake cleaner so far. I've got a buddy telling me to hit it with sand paper....not sure about that.

I've also attached a pic of the old head gasket.

Run it? Go a little further with scotch brite? Hit it with some sandpaper on a block? I'm out of mind and it'll never seal unless I pull it and deck it?

 

First of all your block surface looks pretty damn clean in the pic! Do you feel any imperfections if you run your fingers on the block surface?

I would say you are good to go just off the pic you posted but lets see what others say.

Run it....

 

Yes I can feel the corrosion.

 

use 400 grit wet n dry on a 1/8 inch aluminum plate for flatness. check the plate first. ONLY take the corrosion off no more. Make sure to plug the piston holes so nothing gets in at all.wipe bores with micro fiber towels and oil, repeat cleaning once more.

 

Well, did you get it to your satisfaction?

 

lol. Ive stared at it a little more and that's about it. My neighbor is coming over tonight to give me a 2nd opinion. Im just really hesitant to hit with sand paper and don't want to use the scotch brite anymore. Its almost not enough to feel. And Ive got others saying to just run it. I just don't want to do it again and don't want to kill it trying too hard to clean it. No clue where to get a machined plate of aluminum. Got regular sanding blocks, but it doesn't sound like that is the right way to go.

I'll have the head back this weekend, so I plan to do everything I can (including this) this week.

 

Man, I don't think you need to sand it. Just wipe it down with acetone and get the gasket and studs on there. Gotta get her back up and running!

 

Last night I hit it lightly with some 400 grit and wd40. Really didnt do a whole lot, so I decided to be done with it. Its cleaned up and waiting for the goods now.

 

I've never used sandpaper, did it 3 times on my VIII and probably helped with 5 other cars as well over the years. Scotch-brite with brake cleaner works just fine.

 

I just use brake cleaner and a rag, worked fine for me sealed up really nice

 

Copper coat both sides of the HG, install and ship it...