Standard for removing old gaskets

[Daftclass]

I was wondering, what's the best way to remove old gaskets? I got some gasket remover and a plastic scraper, but it doesn't seem to be doing anything.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

 

[620dark]

Someone on here suggested using a heat gun, like this harbor freight unit:

http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-dual-temperature-heat-gun-572-1112-96289.html

I was able to successfully remove very stuck gaskets from carb mounting boots using this method. Use lots of heat and go slow - the old gasket should start to lift off as it gets hot.

 

[Sonreir]

I'm told this stuff is decent, but I haven't tried it out yet.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Permatex-Low-VOC-gasket-remover/_/N-262b?itemIdentifier=35009_0_0_

 

[Daftclass]

The permatex stuff is exactly what I got. The guy at knechts recommended it.

 

[SONICJK]

I havent tried the heat gun, that sounds lije a good idea.
I have done the permatex stuff though. It is for liquid gasket, like whats on the cases, it takes it off pretty well. But for stuck ass old paper gaskets it doesnt do anything. I used almost a whole bottle on a stuck base gasket without any effect.

The only method i have found to work is very careful removal of as much as you can with a razor blade. Then when its down to just the sticky leftover mess chuck one of these
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Marine/Home/Products/Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECIE20S4K7000000_nid=GSGKXWRKYVbeRJ5GMFSMV0gl
into the die grinder and carefully let it do its job. If you try to go too fast youll mess up your sealing surface.
I use a yellow one.

 

[Daftclass]

I guess I will try using heat.

Thanks Sonic I will do that if the heat doesn't finish it off.

 

[kicker]

For paper gaskets i've never used anything other than a box cutter blade, I just hold it at an acute angle and keep the blade edge flat against the surface
The Permatex stuff is good for getting rid of old goop (and powdercoating I hear)

 

[RoadRash]

Yeah, for paper, just go with a razor blade. Take your time, hold it at a sharp enough angle, and you should be fine.