Removing Gaskets - Best trick?

[mikewerx]

OK, pardon the ignorance, but what have you guys found is the best way to remove those annoying baked on gaskets for an engine tear-down?

 

[SONICJK]

Razor blade and patience.

Then use a 3m bristle disk on a die grinder to clean off the remaining shit.

Oh and this has been covered many times, so before you get jumped on......search

 

[mikewerx]

I know... just so many opinions..looking for someone with a "secret" solve to share. Sorry for the re-post then :-[

 

[foundation982]

Razor blade and patience.

Then use a 3m bristle disk on a die grinder to clean off the remaining shit.

Oh and this has been covered many times, so before you get jumped on......search

Yep flat razor sometimes a utility knife, be careful not to shave off any aluminum.

 

[VonYinzer]

No real trick. All depends on how they were installed as well. Some gasket "glue" is a nightmare. Other stuff is no biggie. Carefully with a razorblade scraper (they're cheap at the auto parts store). If its REAL bad Ill use a super soft bristled wire wheel in a cordless drill. Just be mindful of the aluminum.

 

[Maritime]

Sometimes soaking in something like pb blaster or simple green will loosen the stuck on bits too make the scraper work better.

 

[crazypj]

There is no 'trick, some suck, some suck worse.
Safety razor blade and patience
Paint stripper may help (most gasket remover has the 'good stuff' taken out)

 

[Sonreir]

Get a big pot and boil them in water.

Lemme know if that works, because I've always wondered.

 

[crazypj]

Somebody try it, curious minds want to know LOL ;D

 

[mikewerx]

Somebody try it, curious minds want to know LOL ;D

Awesome, looks like although this might have been covered, there's still not a known final answer. Glad I asked, and I'll be trying each and reporting back!