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What is the best way to remove old gasket residue from the engine. Is it a plastic scraper? A razor blade? I'm replacing my water pump and thermostat on my '41 235 and don't want to screw something up?

Thanks
Andy

try a plastic scraper first, if that don't work I us a putty knife. root

Care to prevent gouging metal and any method should work. So take your time. Just keep the scraping tool edge parallel to the work surface so the scraping tool corners do not get a chance to dig into the part surface to prevent making gouges. Also keep the angle of the scraper low to the work surface to have better control.

Wire wheel in hand drill, scotch pad in a hand drill are other options. As well as a single edge razor blade, sand paper on a sanding block, and spray on gasket remover that helps to soften up the old gasket and makes it easier to scrape off.

Pump coming today. Anything I should be aware of before I start? I bought some Prestone radiator cleaner and plan on running that through. Anything else. Was planning on using Orange anti-freeze

I would advise against using the orange antifreeze. It is intended for late model GM vehicles, and can cause issues with older vehicles, primarily damage to the head gasket (it causes that problem even in engines it's meant to go in), as well as potential chemical reactions with any green antifreeze that may be left in the system. I would suggest using one of the "mix with any" antifreezes that are on the market, Those will be just fine in it. I would also suggest it for replacement in late model GM vehicles, but only a very thorough flushing to remove any traces of the orange antifreeze.

I use green in the 1946.

Green traditional too

Use regular green antifreeze. Only use Dexron (orange) when the vehicle needs it.

Scrape the gasket with a metal putty knife or if it's really stubborn use a razor blade. Use a low angle, and not much force.

Lacquer thinner softens up the old gasket and you can get it off with plastic scraper after about 5 minutes.
One thing though - the old gasket will be "gummy" so keep a couple of rough shop rags nearby.

Non destructive: Wire wheel, razor blade. Correct angle of blade is important so as not to gouge. Very good point by 46GMC. Plastic blades can't do the job.

Good advice here, the Orange was intended for all aluminum engines, but as correctly pointed out it caused problems.
Stick with the green coolant. About two years ago the government mandated a change to non-toxic antifreeze mainly because of pets drinking up the sweet stuff that may be spilled or dripped.

Got it all done, put distilled water in it and ran it for a while till it got up to temp. No leaks 😀 There is a lot of rust and sediment in the system, at least what I can see. What's the best way or product to clean it all out?
Also, I have noticed the exhaust manafold smokes a bit. Any ideas?