just ripped off old heads, how do i clean the block of the old gasket? Looks pretty caked on!!

 

A sharp gasket scraper and a stiff wire brush will work fine, but take time and some effort. 3M makes a good gasket removal pad for use with an air tool, or regular drill.

Try spraying the surfaces with brake and parts cleaner to loosen the crud up a little.... helps with some types of gasket more than others.

 

i use a wire cup brush in a die grinder. there are several gasket remover chemicals too, but i've not used many to recomend one brand over another, and i forget the name, guess i'm gettign old.

 

i had a 2in dia wire wheel on my drill will that work? How to I block my coolant passages? Just put rags in the bores?

 

Yes, and yes.