Guys is there a secret or method to get this 30 year old gasket material off? I've tried oven cleaner, WD-40, paint thinner just to name a few. Still hard as concrete..I'm trying to avoid scraping too much due to the aluminum. Tips?

 

I use a wire wheel on my drill.You can use the "scotch brite disc" or whatever they call them for removing paint.That works good too.
I like using a gasket sealer like "The Right Stuff" anyways so it will take care of any spots that you think may cause an issue.
But really unless you really have a High spot then the large contact area oo that gasket with some sealant should do the job rather effectively.

 

Have you tried gasket stripper/remover?

 

Thought of that..didnt see it at advance auto. I'm going to use the wire wheel or abrasive disk very carefully. I just needed some reassurance that'd be ok. I have black RTV, that ok to use along with the gasket?

 

Use a brass wheel. It's much nicer to the metal.

 

I agree

 

Im going to try to beg you to find the gasket stripper first. That **** works wonders.

 

Acetone or some other solvent and a plastic scraper so you don't gouge the metal should do the job.

 

I must be rubbin off on people around here.
I prefer Hookers..but HEY a good Stripper won't hurt ya!

 

Unless it's paint stripper lol

 

Painting a stripper costs you extra..like "downtown"..or Bandcamp..

 

Haha my rx7 needs a respray , the strippers can wait

 

air hammer with flat chisel

 

Yeah that might destroy the mating surface. You have an exhaust leak?

 

Chuck Norris would stare at it and the gasket would be so scared it would peel itself off and run away!

 

Ya, if you decide to go with a wire wheel, make sure its a brass one... I went a little crazy with a steel wheel and well... Let's just say I had to take apart my water pump 5 times to stop the leak I created for myself...

 

Remove the studs if any and use a razor the best you can,then follow it up with a 3m Rolec disc,much softer then everything else

 

Paint remover