Valve gasket goo removal?

[Guest]

Happy to say I just got my new valve cover gasket today from BB. The old one actually stayed on the head rather than the cover. But on the cover there is a gummy, gooey substance from the old gasket that I want to remove. Also, is there something I should use to help remove the old gasket from the head, beside a sharp blade.

thanks!

[Nessism]

Permatex makes a gasket remover spray which helps soften the old gasket but it’s pretty nasty stuff and will eat the paint off your engine in short order. You can spray some into a cup and dab it on with a paint brush, but even if you are careful, some is likely to hit the paint and damage it. Warning said, the stuff does works, although you are likely to need several go rounds since old gaskets become petrified after a while and are a bitch to remove. Getting the old gasket off is far and away the most difficult part of adjusting the valves if the bike has sat for a bunch of years.

[maro]

good look, thanks

[maro]

So I made an attempt last night to remove the gasket off the head ( I wish it would have come off on the cover instead). Holy PITA!!! Only got half off in an hour of scrapping (without the toxic solvent) using an exacto blade. Tonight I will switch to a metal putty knife. I was trying to be as careful as possible to not let the gasket particles get in the oil buckets, but a few tiny chunks got into the chain well. How bad is that? Couldn't be helped though. That gasket in severed on!

[Nessism]

Had the same problem with my 850. Take your time and make sure you don't gouge the aluminum gasket surface or you will get leaks. Single edge razor blades are what I used.

To get the small chunks out, you can use paper towel to sop up all the oil in the valve bucket areas; make sure there are no chunks hiding. Before buttoning up the engine pour some clean oil in the bucket recess to lube the cam.

Good luck.