How to remove old gasket?

[lostagain]

After removing the flywheel housing, I am left with a very stuck on, tough gasket on the back plate. I have tried a paint scraper and a wood chisel, and it is going to take hours. Is there an easier way? Like a solvent, or can I use a wire wheel on the electric drill? I don't want to scratch the metal too much. Any ideas appreciated.

JC

[wrench]

  If you don't have a small angle grinder & use "ROTO-LOC" disk I would try paint stripper disk with a hand drill.
          wrench

[BG6]

DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT use solvent and a power tool at the same time!!!!!!

If you want, you can use solvent then use the wheel or brush a couple of hours later, but not if there is a chance of putting a spark into a solvent-saturated "wick" or drawing solvent fumes into an electric motor.

You might try an electric heat gun BEFORE using any kind of solvent.

And remember, whenever using tools that make sparks, have your fire extinguisher right there where you can grab it without having to go get it.

[junkman42]

Try any auto store ask for gasket stripper.  The spray on from permatex works like magic.  Spray on the stripper and after the suggested time remove the gasket with a scrapper.  I prefer a nice sharp wood chisel to scrape off gaskets from machined surfaces.  John

[Sammy]

I use these, they work great. I think this is what wrench mentioned too:
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MAutomotive/Aftermarket/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQCEK3_nid=GSM6HW5TXXbeGS2QVMPRKLgl

I use 'em with an air powered 1/4" die grinder. Be careful if the housing is aluminum, go easy with 'em.
I also use a plain old fashioned single edged razor blade with a holder and a small hammer. I buy a box of 100 blades at a time. Good luck. 

[wildbob24]

These work really well also......Less likely to damage the surface you're cleaning:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MAutomotive/Aftermarket/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQCEK3_nid=GSK18K88KRbeGS5N3GC52Hgl

[lostagain]

Thanks guys, I used a small propane torch and wood chisel this morning and it works mostly. I'll pick up some gasket remover because I have other gaskets to do.  I'll try the razor blades in the holder this afternoon. This board is the best thing since buses were invented!

JC

[mikelutestanski]

Hello:   
   Rolocs work really well and also razor blades .  I prefer a real sharp wood chisel but razors are just as good..
     A word of caution about gasket removers from the auto houses.  They really work well but the main removing ingredient is toxic.  When I was working as a safety engineer we had an electrician faint in the john and after questioning we deduced that he was cleaning up a gasketed surface on a large bearing housing   (5000 hp motor  24 inch shaft) and he was generous with the cleaner and was very close to his work..   Everyone on the job was interested in getting the line back running because the whole plant was dependent on our mill running.   Each person was working flat out and it was very hot.
    So circumstances and the chemicals present in the gasket remover caused his fainting spell.   We removed this product from the plant much to the consternation of the mechanics in the vehicle shop because it worked so well. However the medical staff felt that other solutions could be found that were less harmful to the employees.
        So the warning is ....  if you use a gasket remover   heed the label   and do it in such a way that you are not sucking up the fumes....  or getting it on your skin..
   Regards and happy busssin   mike

[edroelle]

Rolocs work well BUT they can be deadly to an engine. 

Rolocs have carbide in them.  If not cleaned perfectly, there is a high risk that it can  take out bearings.   Automobile engines have been destroyed in 60 miles when they were not cleaned well.  It is VERY difficult to get those tiny particles from all crevices.

Ed Roelle

[JohnEd]

Mike,

Your caution is well placed. How many of us pay a lot of attention to the caution "use in a well ventilated area"?  I think they have worn that one out intirely.  I have even seen it on the side of a "take out pizza box".    Or you follow my drift.

The stripper works wonders.  I will never understand how it gets thru a thick chunk of stuck gasket so quickly and thoroughly.  I use a wood chisel also and I think that is tops.  A sharpened stiff putty knife does a good job also.  On aluminum I only will use a "new" stiff putty knife....unsharpened.  A stiff and new wire wheel is a wonder even without using the stripper.

Further complicating that hazard is the employers that created a work environment where you either did it their way or were subject to being called a "SISSY OR TROUBLEMAKER".  California stopped that with Tort Law.  Burn out a guys lungs and you get to pay him enuf to live comfortably, get med treatment for the rest of his life, send his kids to college and live the kind of life he would have had he not been handicapped.  Oh, and he also gets enuf to make it worth the while of that "underhanded", "bottom feeding" attorney.  And a group of primarily middle class citizens, the common man, sets the award...not that scum sucking attorney that usually does quite well.  Common men like u and me make those awards and you know how u and I feel about this.  Except in Texas where the limit of the damages award is $200K.  You can't find an attorney to represent you there even if Exxon did cut off both your legs carelessly.  Don't get me started!!!

 

[lostagain]

I used Permatex gasket remover. A couple of applications did the trick. It really softens it up, then it's easy to scrape off. Thanks everyone for the tips.

JC