Gasket removal

[Octain]

Im sure this has been discussed several times but I cant seem to find anything with the search. Maybe Im doing it wrong?

The cam cover gasket on the 650 is kicking my butt royally.
Is there any easy way to remove the old gasket other than a crumb at a time?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

My search results...

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=164498

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

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Octain]

Thanks Cliff!
I know for sure the copper thing wont work and Im not so sure about the bristle brush. For one it may dump a lot of debris into unwanted areas. For two its a bit large for the tight area.
I've never seen a gasket so set to a surface as this one. None of it is coming off clean.

[Roger P.]

Get yourself a small ball-pein hammer and tap the gasket with the ball end. The gasket absorbs the blow and stretches, pulling itself off of the surface. Fastest, easiest gasket remover BAR NONE. Just don't go ape on it. Start off lightly, then gradually increase the force until you see some results.Gasket remover is snake oil, unless the gasket is 99% off already and you are just removing a tissue paper thick layer.

The hammer is also the best way to make gaskets. There are videos on Youtube showing the process.

[Nessism]

Paint stripper or some gasket remover spray in a cup, dabbed on with a small paint brush help soften the old gasket. You still need to scrap it off but it's definitely easier to scrap.

[Octain]

Paint stripper or some gasket remover spray in a cup, dabbed on with a small paint brush help soften the old gasket. You still need to scrap it off but it's definitely easier to scrap.

Looks like this is going to be my best option since I cant find a miracle in a can. That box of razor blades sitting on the shelf sure is tempting

[Nessism]

Looks like this is going to be my best option since I cant find a miracle in a can. That box of razor blades sitting on the shelf sure is tempting

I use razor blades, just be careful not to gouge the aluminum.

[Octain]

Thanks, Ed!
Picked up some gasket remover and let it sit all night. Seems to be loosening the hardened gasket pretty good.
The good news is at least I didn't remove the cover for nothing. Two of the exhaust valves were way out of spec.

[Nessism]

You may have to apply the goop a couple of times because it doesn't penetrate all the way though the gasket. Just take your time and use a flash light and q-tip or similar to fish all the little gasket chunks out of the valve pockets after you are done scraping.

[Octain]

Already applied a few times. I use compressed air to remove the particles of leftovers.

[posplayr]

Get yourself a small ball-pein hammer and tap the gasket with the ball end. The gasket absorbs the blow and stretches, pulling itself off of the surface. Fastest, easiest gasket remover BAR NONE. Just don't go ape on it. Start off lightly, then gradually increase the force until you see some results.Gasket remover is snake oil, unless the gasket is 99% off already and you are just removing a tissue paper thick layer.

The hammer is also the best way to make gaskets. There are videos on Youtube showing the process.

I was able to find this...............

http://www.dansmc.com/gaskets.htm

http://www.motorcycleforum.com/showpost.php?p=670877&postcount=3

[Joneman]

Great information! Thanks

[mothra]

Dang I wish I saw this this weekend...

I used a razor and ended up polishing some of it off with a Dremel buffing wheel. Not recommended, but it worked out ok this time for me.

[chuck hahn]

Shop vac in close proximity helps to suck up particles before they drop into the engine.

[chuck hahn]

Todd..one other thought. Those Exacto knifes work well up near the center of the block ( head ) around those curved sections.