surface cleaning(REPOST)

["Perez Oscar (INDY)" <PerezO@domain.elided>]

> Hello- 
>  
> I know it's very important to clean the Head's mating surfaces when
> replacing a head gasket.  I'm trying to avoid a leaking head gasket in the
> future.  Anyone that has ever done this job has probably dealt with the
> remnant gasket that adheres to one surface or another.  What's the best
> way to clean the mating surfaces with out damaging them??  I have tried
> solvents with a shop rag-- that's not going to cut it.  Last night I left
> the head soaking in just enough gas to soak the surface that mates with
> the block- I hope that loosens this up- any other tricks out there?  This
> is my first time with this job and I'm sure there are tricks I haven't
> thought of.  
> 
> Also, KUDOS to Tom Sahines for the great head removal tool design.  Easy
> to make and worked great!!  I never liked the idea of using the spark plug
> threads to pull the head- his tool doesn't use them at all.
> 
> Thanks 
> 
> Oscar 
> 91 Spider
> Indy  
> 
> 
> 

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