The best head gasket scraper that I've used in the last 47 years is the same one I've used for the last 47 years. It is an old large flat bastard file with the end ground off carefully to a 45 degree edge. Keep it cool in water while grinding the edge.

My Dad gave me the old file and showed me how to grind the edge when I was rebuilding the engine in my 47 Chevy at the age of 13. I've reground the edge a number of times over the years and I've bought commercially available gasket scrapers over the years, but have never found one that works as good.

This past January I was in the shop scraping a head gasket surface with that old file when they called to tell me that my Dad had died. It's funny some of the things that you think of.


Piston tops are a totally different issue. I've never used anything more severe than a hard wood stick UNLESS the pistons are out of the engine. They are soft and REALLY EASY to gouge. Be gentle with them.