Topic: Installing new head/cyl gaskets- best way to get old gaskets off??

[kippstakes]

Tore my engine down and the old gaskets are stuck on like concrete. Used a razor to get most of the bulk off but there is still a substantial amount of residue left on the flanges.
Any tips on how to get that stuff off? Considering a gasket removal compound, but which works best?
Thank you

[cheftuskey121]

I've heard beer is the best (only) tool to help get the gaskets off

[calj737]

People use different solvents successfully. There's also a Gasket Scraper tool that's a stronger than a razor blade.

Soak the surfaces substantially before attempting to remove is the best trick. You can use Just about anything that's safe to go near the aluminum. Be mindful not to become impatient and gouge the surface.

I will (after the bulk of the gasket is removed) use 400+ grit sand paper and a block and buff at a 45 degree to the edge to remove stubborn surfaces. You can also use ScotchBrite pads either by hand or on your favorite Rotary.

[MRieck]

I recently used Zip Strip heavy duty paint remover.....let it set for a few hours and it did a great job.

[flybox1]

Permatex gasket remover spray, and a plastic scraper.

[kippstakes]

Thank you for the suggestions, think I have a good starting point.

[bjbuchanan]

I used an xacto knife with the blade that is more like a scraper, not the scalpel or regular knife ones they come with.

Flexible thin blade really gets under there easily and gives you a lot of control. Easier clean up too. Doesn't take that much time really. I cheated and put xylene on the old gaskets to wet them up

[fendersrule]

I've used a mix of all solutions mentioned and removing gasket material is still no walk in the park. Beer + patience.

[Lostboy Steve]

My buddy uses these. http://3mcollision.com/how-to/mechanical-department/engine-repair/gasket-removal-and-surface-conditioning/scotch-brite-radial-bristle-brushes/scotch-brite-roloc-bristle-disc-07524-2-inch-coarse.html He swears by them for all metal surfaces. He's a BMW automobile tech and thats what his dealership supplies him with.

[Duanob]

My buddy uses these. http://3mcollision.com/how-to/mechanical-department/engine-repair/gasket-removal-and-surface-conditioning/scotch-brite-radial-bristle-brushes/scotch-brite-roloc-bristle-disc-07524-2-inch-coarse.html He swears by them for all metal surfaces. He's a BMW automobile tech and thats what his dealership supplies him with.

that would probably work. There are also plastic brushes that fit into a normal drill motor tnhat can be found at any Home depot. They used to be called Nyloc but I don't know the brand name anymore. Plastic won't gouge the deck surface but it works great for stubborn paint and gasket material.

Similar to these:

http://www.mscdirect.com/industrialtools/nylon-wire-wheel-brushes.html

[edwardmorris]

I did this few days ago, most of the rough parts comes off with gentle scraping and for the tough stuff, I used acetone and a gift card. For the final baked in bits, I wet sanded with 1000 grit paper wetting with acetone itself. Worked wonders, there are some before and after pix in my build thread.

[Tugboat]

+1 on the 3M Roloc discs. Those things are great! But as has been said: heat + patience.

[KrautKoffin]

I did this few days ago, most of the rough parts comes off with gentle scraping and for the tough stuff, I used acetone and a gift card.

Did the gift card have any money on it still?

[flybox1]

this must be the only place where you'll get beer and razor blades as a suggestion, and not be considered 10-96 

[kippstakes]

thanks for the replies. guess i will just take a page from all your books and attack it from multiple fronts. funny that getting a gasket off would end up being the hardest damn part of rebuilding my engine. then again, i don't haven't started putting it back together yet..
thanks again.