Andy - what you need to do depends on how the new exhaust manifold gaskets fit compared to where the debris is located. If the new gaskets won't fit around the carbon, you really need to get the head to a machine shop to ensure that the material is removed and the mating surface is true. You should also get the mating surfaces of the manifolds trued. Short of that, you can try using some aggressive cleaners to loosen the carbon. Try 3M brake cleaner, carb cleaner or one of those cleaners that clean carbon deposits out of intake manifolds. A handy tool for scraping aluminum surfaces without damaging them are those cheap plastic outlet or switch plates. The edges are sharp and true and they cost pennies. Best of all, they won't damage the aluminum like a steel tool could. -- Mike -------------- Original message from Soma576@xxxxxxx: -------------- > Hey Group, > > I have my exhaust manifolds off and all my studs removed. Now I have to > clean up the surface on the head so I don't have any leaks. There is a lot of > carbon and other unusual layers of crap on the head. > > What is the best way to clean this up, aside from bringing in to a > specialist because that's not really an option. > > Thanks - > Andy > > Fargo, ND > 1982 DeLorean DMC12 VIN 11596 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/