OK I'm working in my garage on my 98 xk8 and just watching the posts when I take a break. (I do that alot) I have both cam covers off waiting on tools and new tensioners and gaskets to show up...maybe tuesday. What's the best way to clean the aluminum surface of the head for new gaskets?

 

pulled your thread out itspec since most 'tech' guys wouldn't see that response in the brake caliper color thread.

 

I just used a Razor Blade and held a Vacuum Cleaner hose to suck the residue away from the Head Surface while scraping.

 

If the old cam cover seals were installed properly there shouldn't be a need for cleanup as these go on dry and they're a rubber material, like an O-Ring.

Sometimes they're incorrectly installed with gasket seal, or silicone or whatever is available in a tube, then I'd be scraping with a razor blade, BUT, you need to be careful as a single edge razor blade can actually gouge the aluminum.

If you're feeling the need to cleanup before installing, try a little isopropyl alcohol on a rag.

 

+1.
If the old covers were properly installed, there will be minimal cleanup. A small amount of solvent (carb cleaner, brake cleaner, alcohol) on a rag is all you should need. I would definitely avoid scraping the aluminum finished surface with a steel blade.

 

Thanks for the tips...the rubber gaskets came off cleanly but there was some residue around the outsides of the gaskets. I used some 50 cal gun cleaning patches soaked in wd-40. I left them on a few hours and everything cleaned up nice.

 

I was a machinist for 10 years of my working career and I can tell you I would never use anything metal to clean aluminum. One scratch and you have created a leak possibility.

 

Soooo.... why do you have .50 cal gun cleaning patches? Do you own a .50 cal?

I had a choice. I could spend $14K on an XK8 or I could spend $14K on a Barrett .50 cal. I figured I'd get more use out of the Jag, although I would LOVE to have a Barrett.

 

I am with you on that itspec60. I hesitated even offering it. It is so infrequent I need to remove anything from aluminum anyway I cannot remember the last time. When I do use a single edge razor balde I actually scrape backwards not shoveling with the blade.

Once in a while I'll run into a DIY car where the owner really mucked up using sealants, but then I usually find other problems like overtightened cam cover bolts, etc. All contributors to more leaks.