W126 Water Pump Installation Questions

[zymurgist]

I'm kind of a noob when dealing with aluminum engines. What's the best way to get the old gasket material off the engine, termostat housing, and top water outlet? Should I soak them in solvent and use a plastic scraper? My normal M.O. is to use a steel scraper and plenty of muscle, but that's for Chevys with iron blocks. I fear that I would damage the machined surfaces if I did that on the Benz.

Also, should I be using anything on the threads of the bolts that hold the water pump in place? I typically use black silicone on the iron block Chevys.