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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: FlatBlack77 on March 29, 2015, 02:21:41 pm

Title: quick head gasket question
Post by: FlatBlack77 on March 29, 2015, 02:21:41 pm
So ive been working on my 77 C10's engine. got it pulled to do some gaskets and a few other things. so i get the heads off and the driver side rear cylinder is the one that was burning coolant. that side had some kinda brownish head gasket which cleaned off nicely.

the passenger side head had what im guessing is a Felpro because its blue. and it left a blue residue. ive scraped scrubbed and used 3 different solvents to try and get it off with no luck. you cant actually feel it. just see it. its more of a stain than a residue i guess. its on the head and the block but not as bad on the block.

will it be ok? or is there a trick to removing it? ive searched online and found nothing
Title: Re: quick head gasket question
Post by: Irish_Alley on March 30, 2015, 11:59:51 am
i always use an die grinder with a 90° head and a surface prep pad
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/th/content_26/Q1_2010/ing-rang_ASIN-B000DZGMOA_3-s.jpg)
Title: Re: quick head gasket question
Post by: enaberif on March 30, 2015, 01:30:20 pm
So ive been working on my 77 C10's engine. got it pulled to do some gaskets and a few other things. so i get the heads off and the driver side rear cylinder is the one that was burning coolant. that side had some kinda brownish head gasket which cleaned off nicely.

the passenger side head had what im guessing is a Felpro because its blue. and it left a blue residue. ive scraped scrubbed and used 3 different solvents to try and get it off with no luck. you cant actually feel it. just see it. its more of a stain than a residue i guess. its on the head and the block but not as bad on the block.

will it be ok? or is there a trick to removing it? ive searched online and found nothing

1) Try gasket remover. Plug all ports spray and scrape.
2) 120grit sandpaper, flat block and wd40

Make sure that either you choose that you block off every port to ensure nothing gets inside or down to the lifters.
Title: Re: quick head gasket question
Post by: FlatBlack77 on March 30, 2015, 03:11:39 pm
thanks guys!
Title: Re: quick head gasket question
Post by: VileZambonie on March 30, 2015, 05:51:11 pm
Unless you have a trained steady hand, you may cause more harm than good using an abrasive. Try starting with a roloc bristle disc.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MIndustrial/Abrasives/Products/~/Scotch-Brite-Roloc-Bristle-Disc?N=7581639+3294179277+3294179279&rt=rud
Title: Re: quick head gasket question
Post by: FlatBlack77 on March 30, 2015, 07:11:41 pm
i actually used 320grit paper on a block sander and took my time very carefully. it worked very well

it really wasnt much to remove but i wanted to be sure.

ill probably get one of those fancy bristle discs if i ever have to do another head gasket job
Title: Re: quick head gasket question
Post by: Irish_Alley on March 31, 2015, 09:51:12 am
what about a scotch bright pad?
Title: Re: quick head gasket question
Post by: enaberif on March 31, 2015, 10:55:09 am
what about a scotch bright pad?

Has fibers that you have to be extremely careful with not getting into the nook and crannies.
Title: Re: quick head gasket question
Post by: FlatBlack77 on March 31, 2015, 02:50:28 pm
what about a scotch bright pad?

Has fibers that you have to be extremely careful with not getting into the nook and crannies.

bingo. ive heard those horror stories before
Title: Re: quick head gasket question
Post by: Irish_Alley on March 31, 2015, 06:22:19 pm
i never heard them then again u never used one but i have used the prep pads and theyre pretty much just like the scotch pads