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HOLY COW, LOOK AT THE CARBON CRAP!! Ok, I am doing a head gasket and this is what my intake looked like. 198K miles and this is obviously the first time the head has ever been off. I am cleaning up this mess, but HOW DO I GET THE CARBON OFF THE BLOCK??? That stuff is crazy stubborn. I can't get the stuff around the pistons off. the outer part of the block is awesome and clean, but not the Audi symbol in the middle. How do I clean it? Carb cleaner, nope - brake cleaner, nope - gas, nope.... HELP!
Thanks for the reply, I've got the intake cleaned up. My concern is cleaning up the block before I install the new head gasket and head. How do I clean the carbon from the block without damaging it?
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
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Re: Holy Carbon Poo Batman! Help Please...
Smooth and flat are most important. Not shiny.
The condition and finish of the machined surfaces are critical to a long lasting repair
I simply scrape the lumps off with some single edge razor blades, then wipe/scrub it with spray carb/throttle cleaner and a shop towel (see last pic above)
Forget removing all the dark color, you'll probably damage the machined finish of the deck surface before you get it shiny by scraping or grinding.
Same for the head.
late to the game, but last time I had to do that, I soaked it in marvel's mystery oil overnight and scrubbed with a nylon brush. Cleaned it up a bit with brake cleaner after that and got it to the "good enough for government work" point.
Make sure to use a material that is softer than steel if you use a grinder/dremel.
Originally Posted by xRiCeBoYx
late to the game, but last time I had to do that, I soaked it in marvel's mystery oil overnight and scrubbed with a nylon brush. Cleaned it up a bit with brake cleaner after that and got it to the "good enough for government work" point.
Too funny, I just bought some Marvel to give it a try. I'm going to give my Berryman's carb dip stuff a small shot then do your method.
-on another note, once all put back together, I was thinking of running it just briefly then changing the oil again just in case I picked up any contaminants. I haven't really seen anyone post about doing this, am I just paranoid??
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
Re: Holy Carbon Poo Batman! Help Please...
I was thinking of running it just briefly then changing the oil again just in case I picked up any contaminants. I haven't really seen anyone post about doing this, am I just paranoid??
I know I"ve mentioned it before. I try to do this because there's almost always a bit of antifreeze that ends up getting into the oil, and that's never good.
Also: It's cheap insurance after just about any major (internal) engine work.
Edit: "whenever possible" meant whenever I personally write the estimate
I know I"ve mentioned it before. I try to do this because there's almost always a bit of antifreeze that ends up getting into the oil, and that's never good.
Also: It's cheap insurance after just about any major (internal) engine work.
Edit: "whenever possible" meant whenever I personally write the estimate
Well, that's my plan. I figure what the heck.
Please provide your feedback on anything else I should do:
I bought this 198,000 mile car for my daughter and found out the head gasket was toast. The process and disassembly was so involved, all of following will be new:
Head Gasket
Intake Gasket
Exhaust Gasket
Spool Valve and Gasket
Water Pump
Tensioner
Timing Belt
Alternator (was the original)
Spark Plugs
Radiator
Radiator Fan
Thermostat
Overflow Tank
+ all the gaskets involved in taking that stuff apart (valve cover gasket kit, etc).
Last edited by sidefly; Feb 12, 2019 at 05:17 PM.
Reason: Corrected list
Please provide your feedback on anything else I should do:
I bought this 198,000 mile car for my daughter and found out the head gasket was toast. The process and disassembly was so involved, all of following will be new:
Head Gasket
Intake Gasket
Exhaust Gasket
Spool Valve and Gasket
Water Pump
Tensioner
Timing Belt
Alternator (was the original)
Spark Plugs
Radiator
Radiator Fan
Thermostat
Overflow Tank
+ all the gaskets involved in taking that stuff apart (valve cover gasket kit, etc).
Any thoughts? Saturday the assembly process begins.
-I had the head resurfaced and pressure tested.
-All new genuine Honda parts.
-Yep, new bottle...my old one was full of gunk. I think it was mechanic in a bottle stuff (hence the radiator and thermostat - oh, new hoses too.)
-I also flushed the heater core already.
I would replace the cam and crank seals, I would strongly consider pulling the oil pan off and replacing the oil pump oring since you already have the timing belt off and and loose exhaust pipe.
Consider checking / adjusting the valve clearance after everything else done besides put the valve cover back on.
