Remove Graphite Head Gasket

[ekopel]

Just started working on the heads today, getting em cleaned to start the port and polish job. Problem is, even with a gasket scraper, the remnants of the old HG isn't coming off. I don't want to knick up the heads or the block, considering it could cause a leak down the line. Any ideas?

1MZFE

[96paseo]

Try a brass wire brush.

[CrawlingEye]

you can also use acetone on the metal to help eat the old gasket material away.

[5SlowFE]

Spray-on gasket remover is available too. It goes on sticky like paint stripper, let it sit a while and scrape off. I usually use a razor blade and it won't nick if you're careful. Just go slow and don't force the scraper and you'll never have a problem.

[davemac2]

Use a scraper that uses a razor blade and go slowly applying even pressure across the blade. It's possible the old gasket will leave an imprint on the head because of some micro-pitting. After scraping, use some gasket remover to soften anything that remains, then use a scotchbrite pad to remove the soft gasket material. Paint remover (ie. lye) is the same thing as gasket remover pretty well.

dave mc

[ekopel]

thanks guys.

[Creeps228]

if you do happend to knick some off the block or head, take it to a mechinist to wack off some meterial if you do knick the block or head and use a HG with that would be + whatever amount of meterial that was taken off, if HG for the camry are made that way

[RichieRichJP]

I did a clean up on a tapped oil pan a couple of days ago and I used a Dremel Wire brush bit and it took that silicone right off. Didn't even leave a scratch.