SONICJK said:Soda blaster is my method of choice.
I clean it up as best I can with a. Razor blade, then blast off whatever I can't get.
mg42gunner said:Fine steel wool or a plastic blade and acetone has been my weapon of choice on aluminum items. I used to use those plastic 3m things that were suggested until I watched someone damage a transmission case with one. Now I stick to solvents and plastic.
and no! when I was a machinist a 3m rep came to the shop and told us that those roloc pads were not ment for gasket surfaces due to the amount of alum or steel they move even the softer color ones so once again redliner your wrong there also picky about rpm. A simple gasket scraper and sand paper has served me well I guess soda will cut gaskets after a whileRedliner said:There's a gasket remover in a can. It's often called "gasket remover" Just helps break it down. Hell, break cleaner often works too.
You can use a razor blade, but watch the angle. Never angle forward. Must be 90º or pointed away from the direction you're pushing. As if I'm not stating the obvious, you can slice aluminium like cedar.
Best solution? 3M roloc bristles ;D If I recall, the green is the roughest you should use on aluminium. You end up with a mirror finish, but not great for buffing and polishing...
Whatever you use, if you're going to be working with the engine assembled, cover the openings.