Head gasket surface preparation

I finally picked up my engine from the machine shop after 2 months. I wasn't planning on having them assemble the short block but they did anyways. Things look decent so I think it will be fine. The one thing that they didn't do very well was prep the head gasket surface on the block so I'd like to clean it up.

Whats the best method of doing this? I've been reading conflicting reports on using scotchbrite pads, bristle discs by 3M, or other methods. Here is the block and the heads, which look fine.

 

It wasn't resurfaced?

 

Nope, the block was hot tanked and bored .030. They said that the block was one of the nicest that they have seen, which I assume means flat.

 

Looks like the head was tanked and broach ground, should be fine as is-----dont let it rust any more though.

The block does not look to have been tanked or surfaced for sure.

Here is what I would do if it were mine.

First stuff the cylinders with rags, to keep the crud out, and then remove the locating dowel pins. Then take a 12" flat file and gently draw file the surface looking for high spots----you are not trying to get down to shiny new metal, just make it flat. Stains are OK, as are small pits ----- depending on the location.

Then I would chase the thread in all the bolt holes, and then using a 45* taper cutter, just gently kiss the bolt holes, and any round water holes, just to make a small countersink.

Then one more time with the file to make sure I did not raise any burrs, and reinstall the dowel pins------and be sure they are deep enough so the head will not sit up on them. You might want to check the depth and clearance of the dowel holes in the heads.

 

I think that the "hot tank" they use for blocks is just a large parts washer...not exactly what I wanted but its kinda too late now.

I do plan on chasing all of the threaded holes before assembly. Whats the best way to remove the locating dowels?

 

This was my original plan but I read a few things about people saying they are too aggressive and leave too much grit behind. I think that I will seal up all the water/oil passages and fill the cylinders with rags and give it a go. Thanks guys