Need advice for valve cover gasket replacement

[blackdh319]

Hi everyone,
So I have a 1993 Jeep Wrangler with the 2.5. I have been replacing the valve cover gasket, and the mating surface on the head is black, and I have used a razor blade, steel wool, a brush, brake cleaner, and rags to try to get it clean, but it is still black. The valve cover itself is a lot cleaner, but there are spots that I cannot get shiny. What should I do? Should I just install my new cork vc gasket with RTV and throw it on as-is?
Thanks

 

[Gilaguy23]

As long as its clean thats OK. I will add I see many gob RTV on a gasket like a VC, and then slap in on and tighten the poo outta the bolts. Surely you notice how slippery RTV is and when the above is done it ends with the gasket sliding out of place. What I do is a thin coat of RTV, lay the gasket on the cover, use bolts, pins or?? to align it and keep it in place with the VC holes and let it dry overnight. Then install it on the head with a thin bit of RTV is you want or with no sealant.

 

[TRevs]

Carburetor cleaner is a stronger solvent than brake cleaner. I’d give it a try with a plastic/nylon scraper