Part 2: pulled the heads off a friends '72 last night....have a question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

superchevy · 08-24-2003, 01:15 PM

We got the piston tops all cleaned up.
What's the best thing to use to remove an ancient head gasket?
I've got some gasket remover and a scraper, but is there an easier way? Grinding disc? What kind?
Thanks, SC

1971 Cheyenne · 08-24-2003, 02:28 PM

I've just used a putty knife/paint scraper. Took a while because I didn't want to scratch the deck.

I'd be very careful what kind of grinding wheel/disc you use.

Good luck!

oldsub86 · 08-24-2003, 02:31 PM

I used one of the 3M pads on a small angle grinder air tool and it cleaned things up nice. However, the guys at the machine shop were not impressed. They say it removes too much metal. I don't think it is too bad on the block but I don't think it should be used on aluminum parts.

still w.i.p '68 · 08-24-2003, 03:09 PM

a wire brush in you die grinder, nothing else compares!!

LudwigTheMad · 08-24-2003, 04:23 PM

I use a staight razor blade, don't scrape too deep, don't want to shave metal.

junkyardjohn · 08-24-2003, 04:45 PM

I LIKE TO USE THE 3M ROLOC DISCS THAT ARE MADE FOR GASKET REMOVAL. NOT!!!! THE FIBER ONES & NOT A WIRE WHEEL. I DON'T LIKE TO USE ANY ABRASIVE THAT WEARS INTO MICROSCOPIC PARTICALS, TO GET INTO PISTON RING GROOVES OR BEARINGS, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR. I USE DIESEL FUEL AS A LUBRICANT TO LOOSEN UP THE CARBON BUILDUP. JOHN
OR LIKE LUDWIG SUGGESTS..... A RAZER BLADE WORKS GREAT. WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE. LOL

08-24-2003, 01:15 PM	#1
superchevy Got big-block? Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,453	Part 2: pulled the heads off a friends '72 last night....have a question We got the piston tops all cleaned up. What's the best thing to use to remove an ancient head gasket? I've got some gasket remover and a scraper, but is there an easier way? Grinding disc? What kind? Thanks, SC

08-24-2003, 02:28 PM	#2
1971 Cheyenne Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 1,480	I've just used a putty knife/paint scraper. Took a while because I didn't want to scratch the deck. I'd be very careful what kind of grinding wheel/disc you use. Good luck! __________________ Brian Pal 1971 Cheyenne 10 454/th400-Undergoing a full frame off resto. 1972 Chevy short/step 2wd, 350/th350 1983 M1009 CUCV Military K5 Blazer 1981 Dodge 1 ton 4x4 dually flatbed

08-24-2003, 02:31 PM	#3
oldsub86 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 695	I used one of the 3M pads on a small angle grinder air tool and it cleaned things up nice. However, the guys at the machine shop were not impressed. They say it removes too much metal. I don't think it is too bad on the block but I don't think it should be used on aluminum parts. __________________ 1968 Chevy - 292 with a powerglide

08-24-2003, 03:09 PM	#4
still w.i.p '68 Dreams are free Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hogansville Texas Posts: 546	a wire brush in you die grinder, nothing else compares!! __________________ '68 swb fleetside originally w.i.p '68 member since 1-01 w.i.p = ( work in progress )

08-24-2003, 04:23 PM	#5
LudwigTheMad Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Ramona, CA Posts: 2,033	I use a staight razor blade, don't scrape too deep, don't want to shave metal. __________________ That's right, I'm back in the game again. No it's not pink..... 1972 Blue and White Suburban.

08-24-2003, 04:45 PM	#6
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	I LIKE TO USE THE 3M ROLOC DISCS THAT ARE MADE FOR GASKET REMOVAL. NOT!!!! THE FIBER ONES & NOT A WIRE WHEEL. I DON'T LIKE TO USE ANY ABRASIVE THAT WEARS INTO MICROSCOPIC PARTICALS, TO GET INTO PISTON RING GROOVES OR BEARINGS, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR. I USE DIESEL FUEL AS A LUBRICANT TO LOOSEN UP THE CARBON BUILDUP. JOHN OR LIKE LUDWIG SUGGESTS..... A RAZER BLADE WORKS GREAT. WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE. LOL __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST



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