What do you use to remove old gaskets?

[Rudie Del Rude]

Kind of curious what the different options are, scrapers scare me.

I found a video on youtube of a guy using a bristle brush in a die grinder and it worked beautifully. Its quick and leaves a nice shiny surface. However, im usually stuck without my air compressor, so what else works?

 

[shane96ranger]

Kind of curious what the different options are, scrapers scare me.

I found a video on youtube of a guy using a bristle brush in a die grinder and it worked beautifully. Its quick and leaves a nice shiny surface. However, im usually stuck without my air compressor, so what else works?

I usually spray WD-40 on it and let it soak in for a few minutes, then use a razor blade.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

If you don't want a metal scraper, try plastic. WD-40 and an old credit card would work, put a new edge on it every once in a while with scissors.

Richard

 

[Rudie Del Rude]

I usually spray WD-40 on it and let it soak in for a few minutes, then use a razor blade.

and how many times have you done that succesfully?

I was stuck the other day with nothing but a razor blade, hardware stores were closed and the guy demanded i use it because he absolutely needed his truck the next morning (water pump change on a 5.9). i warned him, definately left some gouges. I didnt gouge it up too bad but its leaking, hopefully its just the hose.

 

[Earl43P]

I use a plastic scraper to get most of it off, then follow up with a solvent and a green Scotchbrite pad. I have resorted to fine sandpaper in a pinch.

Any WP I change, I put a film of Permatex gasket sealer/maker on each side of the paper gasket. Never had one leak.

 

[shane96ranger]

and how many times have you done that succesfully?

I was stuck the other day with nothing but a razor blade, hardware stores were closed and the guy demanded i use it because he absolutely needed his truck the next morning (water pump change on a 5.9). i warned him, definately left some gouges. I didnt gouge it up too bad but its leaking, hopefully its just the hose.

Several times. I've done it on water pumps, intake manifolds, and timing chain covers. I can't say an exact number but probably around 15 times I've used this method. It's also usually warm outside when I do it.......don't know if that makes a difference?

 

[Rudie Del Rude]

Heres that video.

 

[shane96ranger]

I use a plastic scraper to get most of it off, then follow up with a solvent and a green Scotchbrite pad. I have resorted to fine sandpaper in a pinch.

Any WP I change, I put a film of Permatex gasket sealer/maker on each side of the paper gasket. Never had one leak.

What a coincidence, I just got done telling another guy about the Permatex gasket maker in another thread. Absolutely wonderful stuff. I never use anything but. It will also fill in any little imperfections.

 

[shane96ranger]

Heres that video.

That looks like a good idea. Any reason you couldn't just use a regular drill if you don't have air? That kit looks like it will go in a drill too.

 

[Rudie Del Rude]

I thought about just using a drill, but that grinder spins a shit ton faster than a drill. It would probably work, just take alot longer.

If i did use it on my drill, ide probably put a 90 on the drill with it. Especialy for water pumps.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'd like to see a straight edge across that gasket surface after the cleaning. I wonder how straight it is, or if he has worn some low spots in where there wasn't gasket material,
I've had some luck with paint scrapers that I've put a flat edge on, as opposed to a chisel edge. I've also used a chisel, and pulled it towards me.... the side, not the working edge.

Richard

 

[blue83ranger]

i've tried a few different things and to me it seems like the safest route is permatex gasket remover and a razor blade. I've tried those pads that look like shreaded plastic glued together and those rubber pads but both remove metal too. The plastic one actually shoots off sparks so on alluminum you'd be screwed. But even the rubber one i noticed it wears down the metal surface too.

 

[Rudie Del Rude]

ive got a water pump i pulled out of a truck with some of the gasket left on it, maybe ill blast the hell out of it with the bristle pad and see if it tears it up. I guess that would be good to know before i start using it alot.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I use a putty knife with a sharp edge (not knife sharp, like 45 degree) put on with a file that is dressed when needed, with proper attention to detail this works well. I use ultra black silicone for nearly everything since it's good for about everything...

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Those rubber 3m gasket removers like in that video work awesome. They do not remove metal, they are too soft.