Skaterforeva1

The 98 civic ex I just bought had a headgasket in the trunk when i bought it and since I was doing the timing belt I went ahead and removed the head. The gasket looked fine it never overheated because of it. Just a busted hose for a second until it was turned off acording to the previous owner. Should I still have the head resurfaced? Or how can i clean the grayish material left behind from the old gasket off? I tried to use a razor blade but around the ports it started shaving the metal so i stopped immediately.

xRiCeBoYx

iTrader: (22)

I would, just for safety.

Wankenstein

Agree.
At minimum bring the head to a machinist to inspect for warpage, cracks and valve leaks. Would be a good time to install new valve stem seals. Use a new honda genuine head gasket only. You'll most likely need a new intake manifold gasket (honda genuine). Did you purhase a timing belt kit: timing belt, water-pump, tensioner, accessory belts? If it were mine I'd install a new thermostat (if not known when last replaced).

ezone

If the head measures flat, I just use a razor blade and crab spray to clean the lumps off. (MLS gasket only)
I don't worry about leftover dark colors on the surface as long as it's absolutely smooth.