What's the best way to do this? Just some brake cleaner and a rag? The head gasket isn't stuck to the block or anything, but I way to get a good seal.

 

The best way is to just get the block decked by a machine shop. Other than that just clean it up the best you can.

 

Use a razor scraper, or puttyknife, or a combination of both.

Don't use the razor blade on the heads though, it'll dig into that aluminum.

 

If there was no problem with the seal before, there shouldn't be now. So follow the suggestions so far in that case. If there was an issue before and you supect the deck isn't flat you can measure with a machinists straight edge if you have access, or just take it to the machine shop for a quick cut.

Rich

 

Don't use a scotch brite pad as the debris can get down pass the rings and cause damage.