How to Clean the Surfaces When Replacing a Blown Head Gasket

Cleaning the surfaces where the new valve cover gasket will seat is extremely important. If the surface is dirty or damaged in any way, the seal will not fit properly and the valve cover could leak. Cleaning the surfaces only takes a few extra minutes and will make the difference between future problems or no problems.

Instructions

1

Remove the valve cover completely from the vehicle and take it to a clean work space. Use a razor blade, screwdriver or other scraping tool to completely remove the old valve cover gasket. It is important to make sure you remove every piece of the old gasket. Inspect the groove the gasket sits in for damage.

2

Set the valve cover over an oil return bucket. This will allow for proper disposal later. Spray the valve cover with an engine solvent. This could be brake cleaner, engine cleaner, carb cleaner or choke cleaner. It doesn't really matter which. Allow the valve cover to sit and air dry with the solvent on it.

3

Use a razor blade to scrape the gunk off the cylinder head. You want to be gentle about this, as some heads are made of aluminum making a steel razor blade harder and liable to scratch the head, causing it to leak. Scrape away from the engine and use a shop rag to wipe away gunk as necessary.

4

Spray a cleaner rag with some of the solvent and wipe the areas you scrape and along the other sealant surfaces. Wipe some down into the grooves. This will create a clean and dry surface for the new gasket to seal tightly against.