Alright, got the heads off today after work found that the rear passenger side cyl gasket split at the coolant jacket.. Now, there was some residual coolant left in the heads, which got into a couple of the cylinders. I soaked up the coolant and wiped down the cylinders with oil. Some of the carbon that was on top of the pistons broke free and is now around the edge of the pistons.

How do I go about cleaning the loose carbon build up off?
Some chemical like induction cleaner, used? or just a clean rag, and wipe it as clean as possible?

Also, do any of the gaskets from the ab head gasket kit need any extra sealant?

I'm taking the heads to get checked tomorrow and hopefully get the rover back together.

Thanks,
Jimmy

 

A drill and a wire brush will clean up alot of that carbon build up, especially if you spray them down good with carb spray.
Did you also order a new t/stat, the new up graded upper radiator hose assembly and new head bolts?

 

The valley pan gasket can use some on the corners... I applied some when i replaced mine a few weeks ago. Um... i also put some on the notches of the valley end seal which comes in the kit. I haven't replaced any of the other gaskets... yet.

 

Already have the newer radiator hose. Got new bolts and t-stat. Heads were right at .002" gap around the coolant jackets. So they're getting re-surfaced. I'm also going to replace the valve cover bolts with socket cap screws, what size are those.. They look like 1/4-20x3/4, and 1/4-20x 1 1/4.

The valley pan gasket uses some in the corners where the block, heads, and intake come together?

 

That's how i did it....

 

Good 'nuf for me.

 

I put gasket sealant here (in red) on the 4 corners/notches and around the coolant passages. Are you putting any gasket sealant on the headgaskets? I know RAVE says to fit them dry but I don't know...