Valve Cover Gasket Removal

[Guest]

I'm about to remove the valve cover and adjust the valves. So, I'm preparing myself for a battle with the old valve cover gasket. Just wondering if anyone has tried "oven cleaner" with much success.

Thanks!

[earlfor]

I'm about to remove the valve cover and adjust the valves. So, I'm preparing myself for a battle with the old valve cover gasket. Just wondering if anyone has tried "oven cleaner" with much success.

Thanks!

Not knowing what the reaction of oven cleaner to the aluminum would be, I would hesitate using it.

[robertbarr]

OTOH, I've used Permatex aerosol gasket remover, which I would bet is basically oven cleaner. That and a plastic ice scraper (and in some spots a single-edge razor) gets it done for me. (Stinks like oven cleaner, too).

Let me add: I use masking tape & newspaper to protect painted areas. Not sure what it does to paint, and don't want to experiment on a nice bike...

[Nessism]

Spraying the gasket remover in a cup and dabbing it on the gasket will save you a lot of masking time. Allow the remover some time to work, scrape, apply again, and eventually you will get the gasket all off.

[snackie]

Thanks for the o-Rings!

OTOH, I've used Permatex aerosol gasket remover, which I would bet is basically oven cleaner. That and a plastic ice scraper (and in some spots a single-edge razor) gets it done for me. (Stinks like oven cleaner, too).

Let me add: I use masking tape & newspaper to protect painted areas. Not sure what it does to paint, and don't want to experiment on a nice bike...

Mr. Barr, thanks for the O-Ring kit, carbs are done and once I adjust the valves, we'll see how she runs.

[dagreatgatsby]

i use 3M roloc bristle disc 2". works like a charm. i use the yellow (80 grit) one but i think the white (120 grit) would've been better. you can also youtube it to see for yourself.

http://www.3m.com/product/images/Bristle-Discs-300.jpg

[1980GS1000E]

Soak the new gasket in WD40 or coat it in grease to simplify your life.