Old gaskets are hard as metal

[olebiker]

When I reinstalled the clutch today I found that the old gasket material was almost as hard as the metal under it. I hate scraping gaskets that are that hard. I am always scared of scarring up the surface. I think that cover might never have been off before. Anybody ever find an easy way to remove really hard old gaskets? Now that I am done

[John]

Some of the spray can paint strippers work well as a gasket remover/softener. I used Aircraft remover in a spray can, and it worked ok. It took a few applications, but it works. You will still have to scrape, but the job will be easier.

[olebiker]

I would have needed something I could brush on as I would have been scared of the spray going where it shouldn't. Hard enough to keep the scrapings out of the engine. I may not have been as through as I should have been covering up. I hope I don't end up with some old gasket scrapings plugging up somewhere.

[John]

Just spray some into a bowl, and brush it on.

[rbmgf7]

if you have a die grinder and air compressor 3M's roloc brstile discs are quite handy. they'll remove the gasket and wont hurt the cover but come quite pricey as the discs are $8 a pop at NAPA (then you still need the roloc adapter).

[vanhump]

Go to your nearest auto parts store and get a can of gasket remover. Bush it on, let it set for a while and then scrape off with a putty knife.

[olebiker]

Thanks guys these are great ideas I wish I had asked first but isn't it always that way.

[TADracer]

The spray on stuff doesnt make the gasket just lift off as the directions would have you believe BUT, the stuff does soften it up enough to remove much easier than trying to chip it away.

Having said that, some guys spray the new gasket with PAM so that it will remove easier next time. I have done this on cam cover gaskets and it does seem to work.

[egsols]

Just a thought, I have never tried it, but would a heat gun help to soften the gasket and ease removal?

[blue giant]

Originally posted by olebiker
Thanks guys these are great ideas I wish I had asked first but isn't it always that way.

I'll bet you're the same with directions and assembly intructions too!


It's a man thing!

[Wildkat]

Originally posted by John
I used Aircraft remover in a spray can, and it worked ok. It took a few applications, but it works. You will still have to scrape, but the job will be easier.

Yep... eventually, the aircraft come right off...

(man... I feel SUCH a smack coming on later)

[81xsproject]

A thin layer of anti-seize also works well to keep gaskets from sticking.

[olebiker]

And I thought we had big bugs here. I guess you could call a dragonfly an aircraft but I hate to think how big they are in Texas. Paul ain't it the truth......

[egsols]

originally posted by Bluegiant

I'll bet you're the same with directions and assembly intructions too!

My wife bought me a t shirt in Florida....on the front it says "BINFORD TOOLS"......
on the back it says "real men don't need instructions"

I wear it with pride!

[blue giant]

Originally posted by egsols


My wife bought me a t shirt in Florida....on the front it says "BINFORD TOOLS"......
on the back it says "real men don't need instructions"

I wear it with pride!

And so you should!