Topic: Gasket Removal- 550 clutch cover

[CoachDoc]

I recently pulled the clutch cover for the first time on my '74 550. It was extremely hard to get it off and when I finally did get it off there were remnants of the gasket and severely hardened sealer on both the cover itself as well as on the other face. These remants came nicely off the cover side after a soak in Chemdip, but the bike side (pictured) is driving me crazy. The material is hard as a rock and defying even a metal scraper, which I used reluctantly as a last resort. I imagine the case metal there is pretty soft, but could I safely use a SS wheel/brush in a Dremel to remove this stuff? Is there a paste like material that I could apply to soften these accumulations and facilitate removal? Thanks, guys.

[dave500]

carefully try some paint stripper.

[tommanos]

Use Jasco  paint and epoxy remover.   

[WarwickE36]

I used a right angle die grinder with a 3M roloc disc (aluminum flavor) on mine.  They also make a rubber version with finger like things that work well too and will not mar or scratch the case metal. 

http://www.bing.com/shopping/3m-automotive-3m-7480-2-coarse-scotch-brite-roloc-surface/p/C2282FE9BAF1C82ECB83?q=3m+roloc+disc&lpf=0&lpq=3m%2broloc%2bdisc&FORM=EGCA&lppc=15

http://www.bing.com/shopping/3m-automotive-3m-7524-2-scotch-brite-roloc-bristle-discs-50/p/6BC7B553D2C85634FB46?q=3m+roloc&lpf=0&lpq=3m%2broloc&FORM=EGCA&lppc=15

and a razor blade and elbow grease for the hard to reach spots.

[CoachDoc]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. 2 votes for paint stripper so I got some of that Jasco product this A.M. and I'll try that first. I wish it was available in a gel form, but all I could get was liquid. If that doesn't work those 3M discs sound like a nice alternative.

[dave500]

youll get a better angle at scraping if you remove the clutch basket,youll need a pair of external circlip pliers.

[CoachDoc]

youll get a better angle at scraping if you remove the clutch basket,youll need a pair of external circlip pliers.

Thanks, Dave. Without the clutch in the way it would be much easier to get in there, so that's what I'll do. Too bad I can't figure out a way to let that face soak in Chemdip. That stuff is noxious and probably carcinogenic but it removed the gasket material and sealer on the cover with ease.

[dave500]

on the 550s the lifter plate will drop away from the four screws as you try to reassemble it,,just use one of the long case screws to hold and pull it back so you can engage a screw or two cleanly without cross threading.

[DavePhipps]

my vote is for the rubber roloc pad. It doesn't hurt the aluminum.
video of it in action

http://youtu.be/2lM7IgqMAiA

[CoachDoc]

my vote is for the rubber roloc pad. It doesn't hurt the aluminum.
video of it in action

http://youtu.be/2lM7IgqMAiA

Wow, that video was amazing. It's hard to believe that a system that works that fast to chew up the old gasket won't damage the aluminum face. Any first hand experience with it? I notice that a right angle grinder was used to drive it. I know those things can put out 20,000+ RPM. I don't suppose a drill would be an effective alternative due to the much lower speed.

[CoachDoc]

on the 550s the lifter plate will drop away from the four screws as you try to reassemble it,,just use one of the long case screws to hold and pull it back so you can engage a screw or two cleanly without cross threading.

I couldn't help noticing how clean the gasket face is in your photo, Dave. How did you get it that clean?

[DavePhipps]

I used mine with a drill and it took a lot longer than the video.
It's pretty handy for cleaning carbon from pistons and combustion chambers also.

[dave500]

i used a scraper,,it wasnt bad on these cases,it depends what some po has used on the gasket aswell.