Gasket removal tips?

[spudman]

In the middle of what I thought would be a somewhat quick process and now I've decided to ask for some "tips" to hopefully prevent this from becoming an all day affair. I'm replacing the clutch cover gasket on my '75 (99) Road Toad due to having all the side covers off the engine for painting. I began removing the gasket from the engine case surface earlier and apparently 41 years have taken their toll! While the majority of the gasket is coming off, there is a residual amount of the original cork that is still adhering to the case. Any tips for a dissolver of some sort? I have a tool labeled as a "gasket scraper", but I don't want to use anything that might damage the mating surface. Any helpful tips are appreciated...I'm all ears!

[hodakamax]

Lacquer thinner helps depending what it may or may not be glued on with. Scraping carefully is allowed. Lacquer thinner is highly flammable and is best used outside in small quantities. Good luck and don't blow yourself up.

Maxie

[Bill2001]

Lacquer thinner, acetone, etc work but paint stripper works best. A single-edge razor blade at a very low angle scrapes well, as does a sharpened putty knife or a dedicated gasket scraper. Be careful to not scratch the mating surfaces.

[spudman]

Thanks! Just picked up some acetone, but now I may try the paint stripper first...since I bought a gallon of that last week to strip all the engine cases. In any event, I'm sure I now have enough chemicals here to eat through whatever is left on the edge of that engine case mating surface.

[RichardMott]

When I install clutch cover gaskets, I only use sealant on the case side. I use grease on the engine side. That way I can remove the cover in the future without having to replace the gasket.
Just my tip. Others might have their own way.

Rick Mott

[spudman]

Thanks for the additional tip Rick! Just an FYI...the paint stripper worked great. It loosened all the residual gunk up enough for me to use a bronze bristled gun cleaning brush to gently wipe it all away. Of course now I have to clean some freshly sprayed high heat engine case paint off the very same area tomorrow. LOL

[viclioce]

I use a hand scraper with a beveled edge. I don't use any sealant on the clutch gasket. I just use the screws to hold it in place on the clutch cover. And I rub a little gear oil on both sides of the gasket before installing. The new improved rubber (or whatever it's made of) is the way to go. I don't use the cork any longer! ; D Victor

[viclioce]

I had some issues with a baked on intake gasket. What I couldn't scrape off I removed with a brass wire brush on my cordless drill. ; D Victor

[spudman]

Thanks again for all the input & tips!