Seems to be a more effective. Can't help but feel like I'm scratching up the face of this iron block too much but I'm not sitting on one spot too long or using too much pressure.

This is after 20 mins with a corded drill and wd40. Think I'll go grab something air powered with higher rpms tomorrow.

 

You are seriously fine if you stop now, no way you are going to get it machine shop fresh like when they deck the block.

If both surfaces are clean and you torque it right, it won't leak.

All I can really say is never walk into an automotive shop if that's not clean enough for you LOL. It's amazing what I've done or other have done and **** still works.

 

If you wanted it down to clean iron you should have taken it to the machine shop to be decked. The fact is, you can hurt the surface if you get carried away. You've gone way overboard. Clean them up, fresh gaskets, proper tq and keep rolling. Seriously.

 

Alright then. I thought getting them down to clean iron that didn't display any markings from the last gasket was mandatory for a proper seal. I'll clean this side with denatured alcohol and throw the head on.

Thanks for all the advice, guys!

 

If you can't scratch it off or catch it with a fingernail, that gasket doesn't know it's there either.

 

bingo. you will always see stains from previous head gaskets. if you get them out, you've gone too far. knock it smooth and move on.

 

Yep, it does take time but for sure dont get obsessed with discoloration, thats completely normal. Run your finger over it, if you cant feel it youre golden.

 

Good to know and I'm glad I came here first before spending money on more tools. There's still a slight ring stain around the bores but they're all glass smooth from what I can feel.


Throwing the heads on as soon as they come back from the shop. Thanks for all the advice and hopefully someone else reads this thread and avoids making the mistake I almost did.