Need help with head cleaning and exhaust gaskets

[Anonymous]

I've pulled the cylinder head on my 450le and it is fausty (I'm re ringing). My clymer manual says to remove the shims and tappets and clean the whole head with solvent. Would it be okay to plunk it into a sick of hot soapy water and scrub it clean (with a gentle plastic brush of course)

My second problem is I can't get the old, crusty, flurking exhaust gaskets out! Any bright Ideas? I've reached in with pliers but theres not much to grab onto.

thanks....Sam

[Anonymous]

After having my Cavaliers head shaved :? I brought it to a carwash and hosed it out good. Spent a few bucks on it just to make sure. You need to dry it off good and oil it even better so it won't rust before you use it again. I think I had removed the valves before doing this. It is a good idea to remove them.

To get the gaskets out I used a sidecutter to nip and twist the centres of the gaskets. Then I used a needle nose plier to grab onto the damaged part of the gasket and I ripped them out. The gasket will un-twirl itself into a few pieces but will come out easily.

Steve

[argonsagas]

Perhaps it is a local argot, but perhaps not. Since you are on an international Forum, I think your spelling needs a bit of improvement if you want other people to understand exactly what you are trying to describe

I have no idea what "fausty" is supposed to mean and do not know why you are sick of hot soapy water, but I can probably guess what flurking means. Two out of three may not be bad.....may even work as the title of a song for some meathead...but it is not the best way of getting needed help.

If you have the head removed from the bike, do NOT put it in water.

Use Varsol. Buy the brand name....it is better than mineral/paint thinners.

That will loosen some gasket material and remove all greases and/or oils.

To remove gasket materials, grasp the edge carefully and peel it off.

Do NOT allow any steel tool to touch the aluminum head surface.

If all attempts to peel away the gasket fail, scrape the head surface VERY CAREFULLY

It would be best to use an aluminum or brass scraper to avoid damaging the heads. Steel, especially sharp steel, will damage the heads......count on it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help. I've got the gaskets out now. All I need now is to clean all of the dirt etc off of the outside of the head and remove the bad spray paint job a previous owner applied.

thanks again...Sam

After having my Cavaliers head shaved :? I brought it to a carwash and hosed it out good. Spent a few bucks on it just to make sure. You need to dry it off good and oil it even better so it won't rust before you use it again. I think I had removed the valves before doing this. It is a good idea to remove them.

To get the gaskets out I used a sidecutter to nip and twist the centres of the gaskets. Then I used a needle nose plier to grab onto the damaged part of the gasket and I ripped them out. The gasket will un-twirl itself into a few pieces but will come out easily.

Steve

[Anonymous]

Sticky head gaskets...

I successfully removed the gasket residue after soaking with Permatex Gasket Remover Spray (nasty stuff - adequate ventilation required) and gently scrubbing with a Scotchbrite pad.It helps if you remove the gasket in such a way that most of the material comes off with it. Plastic razor blades and brass wire brushes can help too. (Your millage may vary, disclaimer, disclaimer)

[KrazyKarl02]

Remove the Vavle Guide Seals

I would definately remove the valve guide seals from the head before putting any solvent on the head, these are made of rubber and I am not sure what the solvent would do to them!