Just for clarity, "best way to clean the block top and cylinders" means the crankshaft and other engine parts are still attached.
If so, clean nothing except the top of the block. Put rags and such in the cylinders to catch falling particles.
There is usually carbon or combustion residue that fills in the spaces around the old head gasket.
This you want to clean off without scratching the machined surface of the block. The surface needs to be flat.
Afterwards you can remove the rags and vacuum out any particles remaining.
Optionally, after cleaning the top and if you have easy access, pull the oil pan and give it a good cleaning. Install a new oil pan gasket.
After running the engine for a while, change the oil again.
Last edited by buoymaker; 08/09/2022 4:03 PM.
