Thank all!

Deep discoloration is actually corrosion.

Since I got it pretty smooth with the razor blade and goof off (really nasty stuff!), I’m just going to clean up the block deck, and slap it on with a new gasket. Guess I’ll update after it's running.

Original gasket was intact upon removal. I had to lift the head due to a destroyed chain tensioner rail.

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1982 300SD- Flatface wheels, double din, 6 Speakers w/amp under passenger kick panel, Buzzer to chime conversion

1995 S350D- Rebuilt rod bender, OM606 rotary vacuum pump conversion