Head Gasket
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 352
Likes: 3
From: NorCal
Head Gasket
I'm changing out the cam and decided to change the head gasket too.
When I pulled the head there was a lot of old gasket material left on the top of the cylinder. What is the best way to clean this up. I don't want to damage the top of the cylinder or bottom of the head. I know if I don't get it right I'll be pulling all apart real soon.
I have a Dremal Tool and some polishing wheels and thought about trying that.
BTW - I'm actually doing this project right now - so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jimmie
When I pulled the head there was a lot of old gasket material left on the top of the cylinder. What is the best way to clean this up. I don't want to damage the top of the cylinder or bottom of the head. I know if I don't get it right I'll be pulling all apart real soon.
I have a Dremal Tool and some polishing wheels and thought about trying that.
BTW - I'm actually doing this project right now - so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jimmie
Banned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 7
From: Southwest Florida
You can get a 'scuff pad' type of material for your air/power tool that I see mechanics use all the time.
The ones at the top of the photo are what I'm talking about. Do NOT use a razor blade or anything else that might scratch or damage the head and/or the deck of he cylinder. Don't do it.
If you're being cautious (always a good idea) you can pick up some gasket remover and hand-rub the old gasket off with a scuff pad.
No metal or anything sharp or abrasive enough to change/alter/damage the machined surfaces. No way.
Get it all. Smooth as your bride's booty is how you want it.
The ones at the top of the photo are what I'm talking about. Do NOT use a razor blade or anything else that might scratch or damage the head and/or the deck of he cylinder. Don't do it.
If you're being cautious (always a good idea) you can pick up some gasket remover and hand-rub the old gasket off with a scuff pad.
No metal or anything sharp or abrasive enough to change/alter/damage the machined surfaces. No way.
Get it all. Smooth as your bride's booty is how you want it.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Cottonwood,Ca.
I disagree, I've been a mechanic for 30 yrs and use gasket scrapers and razor blades all the time, on cast and alunimum parts.. Just be sure NOT to alter the surface your cleaning.. Just take your time and use common sense...
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
+1 use a solvent to loosen the gasket material and razor scraper...go easy. The final clean with xxxx steel wool then spray with brake cleaner to get any residue off.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,486
Likes: 6
From: Union,Ms
I've been wrenching for 30 years too but you don't tell someone that you don't know their skill level to put sharp objects on aluminum parts.
Trending Topics
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 8
From: Aurora, IL
You can get a 'scuff pad' type of material for your air/power tool that I see mechanics use all the time.
The ones at the top of the photo are what I'm talking about. Do NOT use a razor blade or anything else that might scratch or damage the head and/or the deck of he cylinder. Don't do it.
If you're being cautious (always a good idea) you can pick up some gasket remover and hand-rub the old gasket off with a scuff pad.
No metal or anything sharp or abrasive enough to change/alter/damage the machined surfaces. No way.
Get it all. Smooth as your bride's booty is how you want it.
The ones at the top of the photo are what I'm talking about. Do NOT use a razor blade or anything else that might scratch or damage the head and/or the deck of he cylinder. Don't do it.
If you're being cautious (always a good idea) you can pick up some gasket remover and hand-rub the old gasket off with a scuff pad.
No metal or anything sharp or abrasive enough to change/alter/damage the machined surfaces. No way.
Get it all. Smooth as your bride's booty is how you want it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
I know what happens when you "***-u-me"...but if you're planning to tear down and reassemble a motor, some assumptions of common sense have to taken. Further, has anyone out there ever seen a blown head gasket due to gasket scraping with a razor blade? Thanks Guys...