How clean is clean? (Head/HG question)

[Shaefer Thomas]

Im cleaning the old headgasket material off of my block and Im just wondering... how clean is clean? Im using a scotch pad and just cleaning it as best as I can. I got my head milled so I dont have to worry about that. What would you guys suggest? What did you use to clean yours? Heres the pic. Half and half.

[Shaefer Thomas]

Eh??? No input??

[9240sx]

That looks fine...As long as you get off all the old gasket your good..I wouldnt use a scotch pad on the block though your making tons of little scratches that might leak,if your using a metal HG..I always just use gasket removal spray..It eats up the left over gasket and you just watch it fall off..And then clean with a rag.

[Shaefer Thomas]

Soooo, since I already cleaned the block with a scotch pad, should I take any extra precautions when putting the new headgasket on? I have a cometic. Should I use that copper spray? Ive heard people have used it and havent and been fine both ways.

[180fan]

with a cometic, you might want to use the copper spray.

[Shaefer Thomas]

OK, so I purchased some Permatex Copper Spray-A-Gasket.... Now, whats the proper procedure for spraying this on? Im guessing Im spraying it just on the gasket. Should I be careful not to spray it on certain places on the gasket?

[SpeedRacer1]

Do not use the copper spray!

[Shaefer Thomas]

why not??

seriously... Im putting my engine together right now.... why not use it? I used a scotch brite pad to clean the old HG material off of the top of the block so there are hundreds of very tiny scratches. Wont the spray help make it seal better??

also... red rtv is fine to use on the front cover and upper and lower oil pans, correct??

[Shaefer Thomas]

Do not use the copper spray!

I cannot believe you posted that, and thats it. Why wouldnt you say why not to use it?! I stated earlier that Im putting my engine together RIGHT NOW. You post that and leave.....

[SpeedRacer1]

That multilayer gasket should seal just fine without the spray. Spraying it unevenly can result in problems like leaking later. It is also hell to clean up if you do actually mess up the hg install and have to pull the head again.

If you already sprayed it then oh well, not the end of the world and your probably fine. If not leave it out and just install the gasket properly.