How do YOU get old gaskets off? [Merged 7-8]

[V8HAHA]

I am currently doing a minor rebuild and I am having a hard time deciding how to get the old gaskets off (water pump, thermostat, oil pump...). They are stuck to the block pretty good and I'm not sure how to go about getting them off. I was thinking maybe a chizel or something but I though I'd get some opinions first.

 

[girlieracr4g63]

Sometimes you can lightly sand them off or take your time and scrape them off with a razor blade. Just be very careful. you dont want to scar the surface.


RTV will be your new friend.

 

[leet]

You can use a chisel. Just be careful not to chunk up the metal.

Clean any and all mating surfaces SPOTLESS, you do NOT want any leaks after all that hard work, right?

 

[Defiant]

erm..... gasket scraper, anyone?

 

[V8HAHA]

Haha, yeah ok. My grandpas grage has a set of those. thanks!

 

[19Eclipse90]

I use a razor blade and wetsand the surface to keep it smooth. It also gives it a good shine

 

[Raph]

gasket remover spray plus gasket scrapers! (read instructions on can! make sure its safe for aluminium heads etc before u buy!)

 

[leet]

Defiant, That's what I use.

I was just answering his question

 

[BertMcGertPI]

Ive found that a putty knife does wonders. Put a slight edge on it with a grinder.

 

[internet ay]

razor, wire wheel? what works best to get off old gaskets, especially oil gaskets?

 

[xcelr8n]

gasket scraper...

 

[Defiant]

Same answer as two weeks ago.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144091&highlight=gasket

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Great searching

 

[Kevin Johnson]

I have used all the methods described in the thread. By far the fastest method for me is using a heavy duty wire CUP (not brush -- important distinction) in my pneumatic angle grinder.

One disadvantage with this method, however, is that it flings a lot of dust, grit, etc. around. If you are working on an engine in a vehicle rather than a part removed from it then you should use one of the other methods. They are slower but less likely to introduce detritus into your engine.

razor, wire wheel? what works best to get off old gaskets, especially oil gaskets?

 

[hairybeanbag]

Anyone used the 3M roll loc disks for removing old engine gaskets from your block with an air sander? I'm about to retire the old Jeg's gasket scraper for new technoligy

 

[prplhz96]

I have been using them for years, they kick ass. There is also another version, the 3m roloc bristle disc. Works great on cast, just have to be careful on aluminum, it will eat some material quick.

 

[Raph]

those rubber wheels you put on the drill to get off gasket gunk? hell yeah.

 

[leet]

We have been using them at work for over a decade.

 

[hairybeanbag]

We have been using them at work for over a decade.

I guess you guy's can tell I just upgraded my garage ha, I'll never pull another motor with hand tools Thanks for your replys

 

[RoasT BeeF]

I am in the process of doing a head swap. Last time I had the head off I used copper coat on the MLS head gasket. Just wondering if anybody has any tips for cleaning up the block surface to get all the old copper coat off.

 

[talonalex92]

A fine wire wheel or even a plastic one with bristles should do that trick! Just not too heavy handed as to gouge or marr the mating surfaces

 

[steve]

Have you tried acetone?

 

[Defiant]

Or lacquer thinner, MEK, turpentine, WD-40, gasoline, etc., etc., etc. It's not much more than a gummy paint, especially after being re-opened.

You can use a gasket scraper or a razor blade to shave off the clumps. Go easy, cast iron is shockingly soft stuff compared to a hardened piece of steel.

 

[hybridmitsu]

Use crocus cloth, or I think 240 grit sand paper.

 

[brandonzero0]

All of the above, Acetone, Or some I tryed gasket remover spray...... works amazing make sure you clean it a crap load and plug the ports if you ever use it. Acetone works good too.

 

[Defiant]

Or, acetone.

Oh, I guess we said that ten times.