I appreciate all the responses. I used the old exhaust manifold gasket as a scraper. I could not find anything else suitable with a flat edge. I also used a 220 grit sandpaper and wetsanded the block. I prefer wet so the dust and metal does not fly up and get into the cylinders. it just wipes up clean. I stuffed the cylinders with a couple of shop rags. I also went out and got a tap 12mm1.75 pitch and chased the threads for the head bolts. this removed some nice debris. I will do this again after giving it another fine sanding and a acetone wash right before putting on the new gasket. I hope all this is acceptable, if not please tell me. one more thing though, as far as coolant goes. I plan on using a bottle I have leftover from the 944 days, ethylene glycol free antifreeze for aluminum engines. is this suitable or should I only use mbz coolant?

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88 300e
92 mr2