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.

 

[RoasT BeeF]

Thanks fellas.

 

[dsmfa9nutter]

I use brake cleaner on everything. It seems to do the job.

 

[4SFED4]

I use lacquer thinner and a razor blade. Sometimes on a tough spot I will use 1000 grit sandpaper wrapped around a small flat surface.

After I have removed all the gunk, I wipe the surfaces down with brake cleaner and a fresh rag to avoid any oil contamination on my new gasket/sealant. Lacquer thinner is oil based and can leave a residue, brake cleaner does not.

 

[deflator]

Here's a noob question, I am changing my headgasket and am not sure what technique to use to get the old gasket gunk off the block. Is it okay to just scrape this stuff off or do you have to be careful not to damage the surface of the block?

 

[dsmmaniac12787]

Ive used a lot of things. Usually I get some kind of dremel, sander, or grinder and use a fine grit pad, sheet, or whatever you are using. Just lightly go over everything till you get the surface smooth and free of any gasket pieces or any other crap. Just dont grind into it!

 

[interex]

I used my little air angle grinder deal with a gasket cleaning pad from the auto parts store

 

[kittay]

I have my razor blades that I just run as parallel to the block as possible to scrape it, that way it stays free from abrasions.

 

[dsmpat95]

Razor blades like kitty said and scotchbrite pad with gasket cleaning stuff.

 

[Tarantula]

I've used a mouse sander.

 

[folly6767]

I would avoid sanding, grinding ect. The surface is machined flat for a reason. Any leaks and you'll be kicking yourself in the ass. Use a razor scraper and Permatex Gasket Remover

 

[bastarddsm]

I have my razor blades that I just run as parallel to the block as possible to scrape it, that way it stays free from abrasions.

I concur! use a razor blade on edge. Then if nesecary use some 180 grit or finer sand paper ON A BLOCK! to sand to get it smooth.

never use a grinder wheel, even the plastic finger ones can gough the deck enough to create ssealinfg problems.

 

[Defiant]

Holy crap, kids. Gasket scraper. Six bucks. It couldn't be much simpler.