How do I remove leftover bits of a seal ring?

belfert · July 20, 2011, 06:25:43 AM

I am replacing the seal rings inside my Series 60 oil cooler. The seal rings are plain rubber and when removed they left a thin layer of rubber behind. How do remove this without scratching up the metal? These are flat seal rings and not round o-rings. I have seen recommendations not to use Scotchbrite scouring pads as they have carbide in them and it could get in the engine and destroy it.

I know from experience if the surface isn't as clean as possible that the new rings might not seal. I have the new rings and I see they did switch to silicone rubber.

robertglines1 · July 20, 2011, 06:40:26 AM

Brian I think a rag that will generate a little friction and heat(from rubbing) will take it off like a shop rag if difficult to get to or about impossible maybe brake cleaner spray-I have had luck with a little friction removing silicon with it. good luck Bob plastic scraper?

Van · July 20, 2011, 06:44:36 AM

Brian, can you get a pix up for us if possible?

Thanks!

Van

belfert · July 20, 2011, 07:06:53 AM

I tried a rag with mineral spirits. I have been using mineral spirits to clean most of the accumulated oil and dirt off the oil filter adapter and oil cooler housing. I can try some brake cleaner.

I can't take a picture until this evening.

chev49 · July 20, 2011, 07:36:14 AM

i always use something hotter than mineral spirits...

luvrbus · July 20, 2011, 07:38:35 AM

I use the brass wire wheels they come in all sizes

good luck

chev49 · July 20, 2011, 07:43:38 AM

yeah, the brass wire wheel sets work great... if you dont have them, also get a complete bushing driver set for all sizes, cause they may be little used, but necessary at certain times.

Chopper Scott · July 20, 2011, 10:30:33 AM

Actually you could get some gasket remover and try that. It comes in a spray like the brake cleaner.

belfert · July 20, 2011, 12:10:51 PM

Another leader in the local Scout troop owns an auto service shop. He mentioned something about gasket remover, but that he no longer uses it because it doesn't work with aluminum. (This was in reference to the gasket on the oil cooler.)

I like Clifford's suggestion of a brass wire wheel. I assume the brass shouldn't hurt steel or cast iron. Could I use a brass wire wheel for a Dremel to remove the old gasket from the oil cooler?

pipopak · July 20, 2011, 01:56:47 PM

Quote from: belfert on July 20, 2011, 12:10:51 PM
Another leader in the local Scout troop owns an auto service shop. He mentioned something about gasket remover, but that he no longer uses it because it doesn't work with aluminum. (This was in reference to the gasket on the oil cooler.)

I like Clifford's suggestion of a brass wire wheel. I assume the brass shouldn't hurt steel or cast iron. Could I use a brass wire wheel for a Dremel to remove the old gasket from the oil cooler?

Dremel wire wheels tend to disintegrate (wires fly all over the place). Can you use fine sandpaper (300 or higher)?.