gasket remover safe for piston rings + block surface cleaning tips for me plz

[jt15833]

alright I got some gasket remover today from Napa

i have the block in the car with head off. i want to spray it all down and clean it off but can it have any negative effects on the piston rings?

also any tips for removing gasket material left behind? so far i've read...*scotchbright pad*razor blade / gasket knife*wheels for drill*gasket remover w/ towel

scotchbright sounds do-able, but with the razor blade im afraid i may scratch the block? any chance of this? i will probably use gasket remover / scotchbright for safety but any advice / input is welcome

[fast_s14]

razor knive will not hurt the block, as the block is cast iron

[Carl H]

i use good quality razorblades with a shopvac sucking up the scraped composite material.

[ANVIL]

if you have a die grider they have pads/attachments that are for removing gaskets and wont hurt the surface. i know napa carries them and all the major tool distributors should too (snap on, matco ect)

[jt15833]

i have a 4.5 inch angle grinder will that do?

[s14_sport]

dude i used razor blade and some carb cleaner...took alittle bit of work...maybe 20 - 30 mins?! put the angle grinder away...its not that serious.

[ANVIL]

true, but it only takes like 2 min if u have the grinder with the right pad

[fast_s14]

i have a 4.5 inch angle grinder will that do?

dont use the 4.5 inch angle grinder, you can risk damaging the block or head if not careful.

[jt15833]

yea a sharpened stiff puddy knife is doing good.the stuff is actually a silver semi metallic residue it looks like, possibly from copper spray? although i think it'd be more copper in color...

in 1 or 2 very small spots i can see where the knife was a little rough and the iron looks fresher, very very small set of scratches. im doubting this would do anything as thats the reason for the gasket ja?