What is the best thing to use to clean the block and the head with before a head gasket install?

Does any one here use acetone i heard thus works well.

 

I use brake cleaner.

 

well, i dunno if you know everything, so i will say it anyway.
Make sure the old head gasket is off the block and off the head, you can use a blade to help you and a very fine sand paper and any solvent you like.

Then after that clean everything and pour some lubricant (whatever you have in hand) in the cilinders so the rings will have some of it in them, clean both parts (which should be shinny metal) with either brake cleaner or carb cleaner, let it dry and start putting everything back

hope it helps

 

Have a machine shop check the head for block-mating clearance (what is it, .004in?) which you have it off. The details are in the service manual...