| Author | Message | ||
     Ezblast |
Soaked the base gasket and cyl. in kerosene for two days - nada - the gasket just doesn't want to budge - any suggestions for removing the gasket and not marring the surface? EZ | ||
| Torquehd |
razor blade. brake parts cleaner. 220 grit sand paper. Edit: You can also use a sand/bead blaster, if you have small grain media and can adjust the pressure so you're not eating into the aluminum. (Message edited by torquehd on September 20, 2014) | ||
| Sifo |
When I was working on windmill transmissions we cleaned the mating surfaces with lacquer thinner, razors, scotch brite pads, and elbow grease. Most of the time/effort was used with the scotch brite pads. Be very careful with the razor on aluminum. | ||
| 46champ |
Spray on gasket remover helps a little but it also takes off the paint on the cylinder. Nothing seems to be the cure all except elbow grease and razor blades. When I did mine I think it took a whole weekend. Beer helps. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Bamboo kabob sticks can be helpful also, you can sharpen them into points and wedges (and resharpen many times) and go absolutey crazy with them in terms of force without worrying about hurting the aluminum. But a razor blade (or razorblade sharp chisel used carefully) is probably what will be needed before you are done for the bulk of it. | ||
| Hootowl |
You'll probably get better control with a sharp chisel. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Lacquer thinner or acetone perhaps? The bamboo/wood scraper is a nice one too. | ||
| Aesquire |
Replaced a leaky rocker box gasket ( still have the other gasket....it hasn't needed it yet ) Went whole hog and bought a snap-on gasket scraper. Ended up with a razor blade and scotch brite pads. Bamboo next time. Great idea. (Message edited by aesquire on September 20, 2014) | ||
| Aesquire |
Oh...yeah there is a technique thing.... instead of using the blade as a wedge, wiggle it back & forth so it's cutting the gasket free like a knife. Think slicing a roast not chopping a chicken. It's easy to push too hard and slice the metal so be gentle as you dismember the gasket. Try for Zen and walk away when you get frustrated. | ||
| Reepicheep |
The bamboo isn't magic, you will still want a razor sharp scraper of some kind. But it is nice when you are in an area where you are afraid the chisel will get into metal, or to convince yourself you really need the chisel.  . | ||
| Kenm123t |
Guys practice Filetting fish when you can handle trout etc, The Clumsy I MEAN you Patric start on a Triggerfish its like skinning a car tire lol VERY Sharp flat wood chisel and you can shave it it off just takes skill | ||
| Bluzm2 |
I second the chisel suggestion. I have a couple of wood chisels for just that purpose. Keep the super sharp and go slow. The edges last longer that a razor blade and are much easier to hold and control. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I keep one of those harbor freight diamond file plates out, and hone the wood chisel right before and several times during the scraping. | ||
| Ezblast |
Going a different route - will let you know tomorrow if it works - a bit hi tech - lol EZ | ||
| Sifo |
Sharks with freakin' lasers? | ||
| Ezblast |
No - a 3M Roloc 120 grit - 5000rpm, a feather touch and gaskets gone - no abrasions just smooth metal, removes carbon well as well - head almost looks new again - lol - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lM7IgqMAiA On to the tear down and rebuild of the other motor - thanks guys. EZ | ||
| Rocket_in_uk |
I don't get why the need for all this; eight days conversation into removing a gasket??? Just use a bloody razor blade, Stanley knife. Simple. 10 minutes top. Job done! Rocket in England | ||
| Torquehd |
Razorblades don't always work, rocket. There are better methods for a lot of those baked-on base gaskets. That's why the need for all this. | ||
| Elsinore74 |
Thanks for posting the youtube link, EZ. Helpful to actually see the aluminum is unharmed on the part he's working on. Entertaining narration, too. | ||
| Rocket_in_uk |
I never had a razorblade fail yet. You are using Sheffield Steel Wilkinson Sword Blades surely? You won't get a closer shave  Rocket in England | ||
| Hootowl |
The tool depicted in the video doesn't leave the aluminum unharmed. It wears away the surface. If you block sand the part afterward, you can see the low spots it creates. | ||
| Ezblast |
I tried razor blades - was not working. Use a feathering touch to only take away the gasket - I also used the 120 grit not the 80. EZ | ||
| Oldog |
I am with Rocket on this, judicious use of a razor blade and methodical and patient work is required. M2nc and I just cleaned a set of base gaskets off of his Cyclone's jugs, The HD aly is SOFT minute scratches and nicks are seldom an issue with good gaskets, using an abrasive power any thing like this is asking for trouble I hope that you don't have trouble with this ED, the cylinder head chamber is not an issue worst case is you have lowered you compression a tiny bit. | ||
| Fast1075 |
Getting old/hard/stuck gaskets off with a blade is an art. I use single edge razor blades. Time and patience. Once you shave enough off, and get the right angle, it magically cuts perfectly. It IS a PITA, and time consuming. | ||
| Ezblast |
I think I'll be fine - looks smooth and level. That old gasket was not budging even with a razor blade or five - lol - that is why I had to go to plan B. EZ | ||
| Rocket_in_uk |
Time and patience. Once you shave enough off, and get the right angle, it magically cuts perfectly. That's how I do it. It's all about the angle of the dangle  Rocket in England |
