Resolved Best/Easiest way to remove old stuck on gaskets?

[cookmeup272]

The tear down is complete on my motor and now the build up needs to begin. Im trying to remove all the stuck on paper gasket's like the front case and water pump gasket's. What is the best way to scrape this crap off? Same thing with the head. There are little tiny spots of composite headgasket material stuck on the deck. Its barely noticeable but whats the best way to remove it?

 

[Dr Gnarlson]

plastic scraper, like a chunk of pexi glass. wont scratch anything up.

 

[cookmeup272]

I was using a plastic scraper but it just cant get these old as hell gaskets off this motor.

 

[ramsack]

A wire brush on a drill is the only thing that will get the rest off without scratching up the surface.

 

[canada4g63]

Spray some cleaner or diesel gas on a rag it should make it easier to scrap off

 

[cookmeup272]

A wire brush on a drill is the only thing that will get the rest off without scratching up the surface.

I was thinking of that but didn't know if it would do any damage....

 

[96eclipzGsT]

Razor blade, scotch-brite wizz wheel

 

[kawgomoo]

why on earth do people think a wire brush on a drill wont scratch anything up?

First off. you need to soak and soften the gaskets. most gaskets are some type of paper. Hot water. Machine shops use aquarious soak tanks. yeah hot water and soap.

you can use a scrotch brite wiz wheel on NON CRITICAL SURFACES. things like water pumps, thermostat housing etc.

DO NOT USE ANY MECHANICAL MEANS OF GASKET SCRAPING ON A HEAD OR DECK SURFACE. EVER!!!!!!

moving on.

the correct way to scrape gasket is with a Single Edge razor blade. Held perpendicular to the work. So basically hold it straight up, at a 90. and scrape back and forth. if you lay the blade down at an angle it will dig into the material and scar it up.

This is how its done.

thanks drive thru.

 

[cookmeup272]

I know not to use a wire brush on the head. That part isnt the main issue. The main PITA right now is that these gaskets are like morphed to the block. Im not going to dunk my whole assembled shortblock into a tank full of water so that is out of the question.

 

[kimcheefists]

I just used a razor blade to take off the front case gasket material. BUT don't use a razorblade on the front case itself if you're planning on reusing it since the front case is made of aluminum. The block is made of iron so the razor won't dig into the block easily. Just be careful while you're scraping it off.

 

[smrogers5771]

get some of that stuff called GOO GONE! worked the best for me

 

[ob1murry]

Permatex gasket remover, a razor blade, and some elbow grease.

Massage the permatex remover into the gasket, let it sit for 15-30 mins, come back and start peeling it up with the razorblade.

 

[cookmeup272]

I think i'll try that permatex stuff.

 

[ob1murry]

I think i'll try that permatex stuff.

Good, it really is the best way to do it. You will probably have to do it a few times though depending on how much gasket was left behind. You probably will not be able to get all of it the first time, it is fairly easy to do though. You don't have to put any force behind the razor in order to start bringing the gasket up, so just take your time and you should be able to get the gasket off without scuffing up the surface.

 

[Thomas91169]

blow torch?

ive always used a razor blade with no issues.

 

[cookmeup272]

I snagged a couple of green Scotch Brite pads from work as well a while ago. I guess I will use the permatex with a razor blade coupled with the Scotch Brite pad

 

[importracr317]

Scotch brite, razor blade, spray a little WD-40 on first and let it soak in - makes it a little easier to get that stuff off.

 

[RednekBubba]

These things work awesome for removing gasket material.....

Scotch-Brite

I find that these things work awesome.....

Scotch-Brite

I find that these things work awesome.....

Scotch-Brite

 

[Thomas91169]

redneckbubba, you dont say..........

 

[TALONTRAX]

Believe it or not . . . Spray Easy-off oven cleaner on the gasket & let it work for 15 minutes. It will mostly dissolve the gasket, not harming the surface & should scrape off pretty easily with any type of scraper . . .

 

[donniekak]

Believe it or not . . . Spray Easy-off oven cleaner on the gasket & let it work for 15 minutes. It will mostly dissolve the gasket, not harming the surface & should scrape off pretty easily with any type of scraper . . .

That, and methylene chloride (aircraft remover) work well. Not mixed, but either or.

 

[smrogers5771]

That, and methylene chloride (aircraft remover) work well. Not mixed, but either or.

yeah that was going to be my next suggestion aircraft stripper... but be careful not to spray it by your car it eats the paint haha if ya ever wana remove paint really fast just use aircraft stripper ...

 

[Colt4G63 also]

I agree with permatex gasket remover and gentle razor blading. All the spinny disks, and abrasive pads are a mistake on an assembled block.

If you buy a reman engine, it will usually come with a tag that explains how those abrasives and spinny disks will void your warranty, so I'm not just talking out of my ass here.

 

[cookmeup272]

Well I got it all done guys but....My local Advance Autoparts stopped carrying the Permatex, I guess it was burning peoples fingers. So i slaved over a razor blade and a scotch brite pad.

 

[slimjames]

try gel paint remover... let it soak in..