Using a red roloc disc to clean the block/head mating surfaces
 

I am starting to reassemble my 16v after having both heads rebuilt. How sensitive are the mating surfaces on the engine block only i.e. the surfaces where the head gasket mates and seals? A guy in my shop gave me a red roloc disc to help clean up the surfaces and now I find out the red discs are recommended for steel only. I used it very gingerly. I started out with scotch brite but it was not very effective.

Any thoughts if this is enough to prevent my head gasket from sealing properly? BTW, the heads were reduced and I also have the thicker porsche head gaskets to make up for this.

I would suggest to buy a good box of one sides razor blades hold the blade perpendicular to the surface being cleaned, dont tip the blade on its side.

___I___ In this drawing the I is the blade move it left to right , this will clean the surface without making any gouges, replace the blades frequently in their holder

Do not use roloc pads on heads or blocks.
Simple as that.

+100!

I think he said he already did :icon107:

that looks like we could have a problem Houston.........

If the heads were resurfaced why would you need to clean them?

The heads were resurfaced but I haven't touched them. It's the block that I put the roloc to. Tonight I'll try the razor blade technique.

If you're really lucky, you haven't turned the block into scrap...kind of depends on how "hard" you attacked it with the "axe".

Werent there some pictures of the heads that were all scared up from the Rolo pads? :)
If they were surfaced afterwards, thats good. But, Im worried about what you did to the block. what does it look like? Pics??

Cometic gasket time?

Just kidding!

Today when I get to the shop I will post some pics of the block.

1. I will use the razor blade technique Mr. Merlin suggested to ensure a flush surface.

2. I will also borrow a straight edge and some feeler gauges to check for warpage.

I did get the "thicker" porsche headgaskets as required in the WSM for decked heads, maybe this will help a little?

Secondly, maybe some RTV or some sort of sealer would be prudent?

orest, why don't you just deck the block? is it all still in the car?

RTV will not work on a head gasket.
Find two cans of spray hylomar and use that.

Forget about using a straight edge to check for damage done with a Roloc.