72 evinrude 18hp head prep for new head gasket

[whitejd12]

I have a new head gasket ordered. While I'm waiting can I do anything to clean up the head before reinstalling it? I know about laying it on a sheet of glass and using sandpaper to clean up and true it, but should I soak it in parts cleaner, or scrub it down or anything?

 

[gm280]

Re: 72 evinrude 18hp head prep for new head gasket

If there is a lot of carbon and/or grease or dirt on it, then yes clean it up and remove the dirt, grease and carbon before truing it up with the sandpaper and flat surface. Also make sure the bolt holes and plug holes are clean and the threads look good too...

 

[boobie]

Re: 72 evinrude 18hp head prep for new head gasket

While you're there, clean up any carbon you have on the top of the pistons.

 

[whitejd12]

Re: 72 evinrude 18hp head prep for new head gasket

OK, what do I use to clean the carbon from the top of the pistons??

 

[Will Bark]

Re: 72 evinrude 18hp head prep for new head gasket

Seafoam should do a good job of it.