Preparing Block Surface

[tima01864]

I will ask for any tips here for cleaning the block to head surface for a new head gasket.

[ORFORD2004]

Acetone

[geospider]

WD40 and a light rub with a green pad. cleaned up the top of the pistons and carbon ring at top of cylinders. go easy.
then cleaned it all up with a solvent (acetone, brake cleaner, whatever) and rubbed a bit of oil in the cylinders.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I agree with the above. I've always just used some sort of solvent (acetone, alcohol, machine oil, etc.) and a nylon scouring pad (but not the metal ones). I don't recommend using any soap or detergent, though. I vacuum out anything I've left behind, followed by a thorough blowing out with an air compressor and some fresh oil on the cylinder walls.

You can also check the flatness of the block surface with a straight edge while you're at it. And by the way, I always drain the oil and coolant from the engine when working on the block.

One other tip: Don't lose those two dowel pins at opposite ends of the block.

-Bryan

[tima01864]

I decided to pull the plug on my savings account and have the engine rebuilt.