What can I use to clean my head gasket surface?

GM recommends the use of a razor blade or plastic gasket scraper to clean the gasket surface on engine components that are to be reused. When using a razor blade-type gasket scraper, use a new razor blade for each cylinder head and corresponding block surface.

Why it is necessary to clean the mating surface before fixing the gasket?

Correct Surface Preparation Deep scratches, burrs or gouges in a mating surface can create escape paths for fluids even when a thick gasket and/or sealant is used.

Will carb cleaner remove gaskets?

So far, carb cleaner, acetone and lacquer thinner have not easily dissolved the old (well in excess of 15 years) gasket bonded to the aluminum carb body.

How do you clean a head gasket?

Use moderate pressure when going over the gasket surface. You want to go over it enough to just “shine” the surface and remove all the old traces of the head gasket but not remove the metal of the block or head. You should end up with something like this.

How do you clean the gasket on a GMC Sierra?

GM recommends the use of a razor blade or plastic gasket scraper to clean the gasket surface on engine components that are to be reused. When using a razor blade-type gasket scraper, use a new razor blade for each cylinder head and corresponding block surface.

How do you clean a gasket with a razor blade?

When using a razor blade-type gasket scraper, use a new razor blade for each cylinder head and corresponding block surface. Hold the blade as parallel as possible to the gasket surface to ensure that the razor blade does not gouge or scratch the gasket surfaces.

What tools can I use to clean the gasket on my car?

THE ONLY TOOLS ACCEPTABLE ARE PLASTIC AND WOOD SCRAPERS COMBINED WITH USE OF MOTORCRAFT METAL SURFACE CLEANER, F4AZ-19A536-RA, OR EQUIVALENT SOLVENT. Sample From General Motors: TSB 00-06-01-012D NOTICE Do not use abrasive pad/bristle devices to clean the gasket surfaces of engine components.