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

[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.