Question for you seasoned vets. I took my heads to a machine shop and they were tanked, and machined. I want to clean the surface of the engine side, but its quite gunky from the head gasket. I've got most of the material off, but it's not by any means perfect. How do you guys get the (aluminum) head gasket surfaces cleaned up properly? My cousin is suggesting scotch brite, and I know that will get little fuzz material everywhere. Is there any good way of doing it at home?

 

And if I cave and have them just tank the block, is it okay to do it with all the internals still in place? It won't damage anything will it? Will I need to re-lube certain parts before I put it back together?

 

This is an EA71. Thanks.

 

 

do this to the heads and you can do it to the block as well:

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/122588-diy-head-resurfacing-or-post-apocalyptic-machine-shop-techniques/

On EA and ER engines I use the yellow aluminum discs in a drill for cleaning up aluminum.  but be gentle, don't bare down on it and get crazy.

 

just as an example, this may not be what i used but this is the first thing that came up in google as an example:

http://www.grainger.com/product/6RX80?gclid=COXphOr_8b0CFeRlOgod01MAog&cm_mmc=PPC:GooglePLA-_-Abrasives-_-Abrasive%20Wheels-_-6RX80&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=6RX80&ef_id=U1VHLAAABS3L9Vtl:20140421162828:s

 

get one that's not aggressive and good for aluminum.

Edited April 21, 201411 yr by grossgary

And if I cave and have them just tank the block, is it okay to do it with all the internals still in place? It won't damage anything will it?

 

This is an EA71. Thanks.

 

No and Yes