Stuck Gasket.....

[barn63]

I did a search but didn't yield anything new. I am replacing the base gasket on my 79 550 and it seems that possibly there was an adhesive of some sort used. The entire gasket is off with the exception of a few spots (mostly symmetric on each side of the surface). I have tried a razor blade, heat gun and scraper, and gasket remover. What is the best way to remove these stuck spots without damaging the metal surface. Sorry this has been asked to many times. I am getting desperate for options.

[rustybronco]

I use a razor blade and patience. if it's baked on hard it will take some time to remove it.

[Nessism]

Paint stripper works well and is cheaper than gasket remover (which works similarly). Dab it on with a small paint brush and let it work for 30 min. or so. It may take several applications so please chill out and let the goop do it's thing before you get all antsy and start gouging the crap out of the gasket surface with sharp implements.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

What was that drill attachment thingy that removed gaskets without harming the aluminum? Hmmm, let me see if I can find it. I'll be back.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[BassCliff]

Hi,

That was quick. It's amazing what you can find with the search feature.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=154433

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[barn63]

So is it common for people to use glue with the gasket? I will give those suggestions a try and report back.

[chuck hahn]

acetone will loosen the gasket adhesive as well..several apps and patience to let it loosen the glue. By the way, what part is this glue on?? The engine block? side cover? cam cover??

[Agemax]

a stanley knife blade works perfect with a little care

[rustybronco]

a stanley knife blade works perfect with a little care

And that's the key word... care.
I removed the gasket material from the cylinders, head and cam cover on the 850, all with a little thing called a razor blade.

[chuck hahn]

Dale..i do the same with a razor knife blade and even a well tuned small wood chisel..some guys dont use the patience and finess sometimes though. Hell i have even fired up the propane torch and burned them off!!! LOL Sounds harsh but it works in seconds!! LMAO

[Nessism]

I tried propane on base gaskets before and the torch doesn't effect them. Amazing but true. Only thing I've found that works is gasket remover or paint stripper. Oh, and I scrape with a razor blade as well. They work great and won't gouge the aluminum if you use them correctly. When the gaskets are petrified though, even a razor blade needs help.

[barn63]

acetone will loosen the gasket adhesive as well..several apps and patience to let it loosen the glue. By the way, what part is this glue on?? The engine block? side cover? cam cover??

It's the base gasket.

[bwringer]

There's no glue, or there's not supposed to be anyway -- just time and heat. After 30 years, some gaskets harden to the point that they're nearly impossible to remove.

[chuck hahn]

torch probably wonmt effect base gaskets..they are made for extreme heat. I think i would just use the acetone r other strippers the guys have mentioned along with lots of patience and being carefull while scrpeing away. Now if it were a stator cover or something like that then thats a different story. Thats why i asked what part this gasket was on. More info provided brings a more precise response.