what to use when cleaning cylindr and head surface

I have a 78 kz1000 with the the motor apart. Just finished rebuild. Rings, cam chain, idlers dampers ect.. I was told a wizzer wheel is good to clean surfaces but don't have one. What can I use to clean the head and cylinder (jugs) surface before installing the two? I dont want to damage anything so just want to be sure. The manual does not reccomend sealants except a little around the 4 inner studs on the block before placing jugs on. I have a brass wheel to put on a drill but i thought it was too course. I also have sctchbrite and fine sandpaper.

All of your input is greatly appreciated.

For the combustion chambers I use a wire brush, on the gasket surface I use a nylon bristle with embedded abrasives. You could use a fine wire brush but the nylon brush wheel is not as aggressive.

When gaskets need removing, I use a piece of sharpened stiff plastic like Lexan or Plexiglass. This reduces the chance of damaging the surfaces.

If you're not in a really big hurry, smear some paint remover across an old cookie sheet, then set your gasket surface in it and let it set a couple days. It helps to partially scrape the gasket off first though, so the paint remover soaks through the gasket better.
And I'm with Mfolks on using only plastic scrapers on aluminum gasket surfaces.
Now for the combustion chambers, I've always soaked them with automatic transmission fluid, but Otakar says Rislone engine treatment works good too.

I have the gasket pretty much off. I was not sure how clean the jug surface had to be before installing the head onto it seeing that no sealant is put on that surface. It feels smooth but does not look clean. Is this good enough? I thought of using carb cleaner and scothbrite on the jug surface and block.

The color of the aluminum doesn't much matter as long as it's not chalky white (corrosion). But you do want to get all traces of gasket material off of it. Go easy with the Scotchbrite.

I used a single edge razor blade held at right angle to the surface as a scraper. Worked very well, takes a long time. Use a scotchbrite pad after you get all the old garbage off. Wipe the metal surfaces with acetone before asembling.

jbrewer73 wrote:

I thought of using carb cleaner and scothbrite on the jug surface and block.

That's what I used.

ill give that a shot tonight as my parts should be there today hopefully.

Thanks all