Should I just wire wheel brush the block and then brake clean it?

 

You need to be sure all of the old gasket is off of there, so whatever it takes. Some scotchbright usually works well for that, and before that a razor blade if there are any remnants of the old gasket still there. try to wipe out the cylinders as best you can when done. And since inevitably some stuff still gets in the oil, it's always a good idea to do an oil change not long after completing your engine work.

 

yea took a razor blade to mine to get all the old gasket off, then continued to use brake cleaner to get whatever was left. I did spray some wd40 in the cylinders after i gave them a quick wipe down after everything else was cleaned just for some little mental insurance. heh