Here's how I do a leak test. Remove the rocker shafts so all the valves close. Turn the head upside down and prop it up so it's fairly level, then fill each combustion chamber with gas. Just let it sit and watch for leakage. The gas will pour thru fast on the valves that are bent bad, but if you look in any of the exhaust or intake ports and see wetness, those valves should be replaced. If you remove the valves, you can chuck em up in your drill, hold the face of the valve close to a flat surface and spin it, but that's not really scientific. If you wanna be technical, you can remove the valve springs, set up a dial indicator and check em. I don't normally scrape the head or the block. I use a brass wire brush (from Harbor Freight) in my drill. It's faster, easier and cleans it up nice. I do spray both sides of the head gasket with Mopar Gasket Sealant just to be safe. Good luck!

 

ok bet. it tried that with water after i learned that the arms would close the valves. is the gas or water used in the test really gone make that big of a difference? i'd imagine it's pretty close to the same thing right. I dont really have many attachments for my drill and i'm short on cash kuz i'm gettin f'ed from all angles it feels like lol. as far as cleaning equipment in general i got basic degreaser brake cleaner , soap , rags , scraper , steel wool, and thats about it. not sure how much the wire brush would be, i know i have to get some rtv for the sealing but i gotta do the remaining steps before i attempt the next section, but i have to say you;ve answered my questions and i'm satisfied lol which don't happen too often so i really appreciate it.

 

I'm sure water will work. I use gas cause it evaporates fast and doesn't cause rust in the valve guides. I think the wire brush for the drill was like 2 or 3 bucks at Harbor Freight, but you can do just as well with a scraper and steel wool. Just takes a little longer and it doesn't have to be perfect anyway. It's pretty hard to hurt the block since it's cast iron, but you have to be careful not to damage the head since it's softer. I'm not sure what you're planning on using rtv for. I don't think I've ever used any rtv on a Neon.