Good way to remove old gaskets?

[CaferacerMO]

Before I go at it with like a screw driver, what's a good way to remove this old, really hardy to remove crusty gasket..

 

[DohcBikes]

Before I go at it with like a screw driver,

LOL might as well use a pick axe

A razor is a common tool for skilled hands. Many will scoff but it is fact.

I most frequently use a carbide gasket scraper exacly like this one, although there are many versions. These must be used with accuracy or they can easily gouge. They will shave aluminum fairly easily in unskilled hands. Or when neccessary, in skilled hands they work great for removing any unwanted 'proud' aluminum such as casting imperfections, especially at the base gasket where the cases meet, from a gasket surface as well.

Stuff a rag in there before you start chipping away.

 

[cxman]

remove as much as you can flake off of the old gasket

paint on some good quality gel paint stripper till it is soaked on evenly

wait ten minutes and scrape with a plastic putty knife

repat again and all of it should be gone with no possible damage to the aluminum mating surfaces