Graphite (I think) Head gasket removal methods?

[SpruceItUp]

Good evening. I have a 92 KDX200 and I wanted to take the power valves out to clean them up. So I have the head and cylinder off the bike now, but the head gasket that was on there left a ton of residue, I believe it's graphite but I could be wrong. I got as much off as I could with the razor blade but there's still a good film left on there.

Is there a good way to do this? I was thinking maybe getting a mirror and taping a high grit sand paper to it and sanding the stuff off, as I don't think it would take much sanding to remove, but I also heard that you could use WD-40 and scotch bright to remove it.

I was just wondering if these ways would work well, or if there is a better way of doing it.
I can send a photo in the morning of the surfaces if you'd like.

Thanks!

[KDXGarage]

I would try chemicals before mechanical removal.

https://www.permatex.com/products/gaske ... mula-4-oz/

Read up on plastic scrapers. I would be hesitant to use a steel scraper on an aluminum cylinder.

[SpruceItUp]

I would try chemicals before mechanical removal.

https://www.permatex.com/products/gaske ... mula-4-oz/

Read up on plastic scrapers. I would be hesitant to use a steel scraper on an aluminum cylinder.

Hey! So I did try using chemicals, the stuff that you linked, but. no luck. The mating surfaces are smooth but still bother me as they look like they are likely dirty, but I can't seem to get anymore off.

So I'm thinking should I just give it and see if the head gasket blows or just take a little bit of material. off the surface of the cylinder and head. Not much needs to come off at all I don't think. Also, does that pin in the cylinder just pull out with pliers?

Also, what would you recommend as a flat surface? I have a mirror but I'm afraid it might not work well.

Here are the photos of the head and cylinder. I've gotten as much as I can off with brake clean and such.

[KDXGarage]

That doesn't look too bad. Have you tried a green Scotch Brite pad and some lube?

Why do you want to remove the alignment pin?

[SpruceItUp]

That doesn't look too bad. Have you tried a green Scotch Brite pad and some lube?

Why do you want to remove the alignment pin?

Fair enough. I've just never seen a head and cylinder look like this before after cleaning. I can try some scotch brite and wd40.

Was just wondering how to remove it *if* I needed to resurface it.

Thanks :)