All this damn gasket all over my intake... hard as hell to get off.. any tricks?

-Tesla

 

I use a razor for the big stuff and then I usually switch to a wire wheel on a grinder or something to get the rest off.

 

I use a razor for the big stuff and then I usually switch to a wire wheel on a grinder or something to get the rest off.

 

Can we not re-use the old gaskets if they are in good condition and seal it with a little RTV around it ? I hope mine doesn't swell up as I have them soaked in carb cleaner.
I'm getting the metal gasket for the manifold to engine to be safe.

 

be very careful with razor blades.&nbsp Most razor blades are stainless steel, and that's harder than the aluminum manifolds.&nbsp You can easily gouge the aluminum manifold being careless with the razor blades.

Else, I've found those 3M "Scotchbrite" 2" discs with drill attachment actually work pretty well.&nbsp $20 for the kit?&nbsp I think Sears carries them.




-Ted

 

I also use the 3M roloc products very good results, the discs come in 3 differnet grits. by color green is 50 grit, yellow s 80 grit and white is 120 grit. These are nylon bristle finger type surface prep disk. Most all parts store should have them.

 

So i've noticed.. I actually just finished up cleaning the manifolds off tonight.. A few little scratches and scrapes, but i actually found that using 220 grit sandpaper takes the really stubborn gasket off, as well as removing most of the scrapes..

-Tesla

 

I'd avoid a wire wheel for anything aluminum.

I agree with Ted, those 3M scotchbrite pads work great.

PaulC

 

At the auto parts store u can get a spray can called or stuff called "gasket remover." Spray it on, let it sit a little while, then scrape off with a putty knife.

Don't get it on any paint! It takes it off INSTANTLY! (faster than brake fluid!)

 

I tried this "crap" with very very poor results. Im going to use the #M pad next time.

 

You might consider, when you reinstall the parts, to leave all that rtv, adhesives, etc off and just install the gasket on the clean machined surfaces. Just a touch of a release agent lilke a smear of vaseline on the machined surface that will be llifted off. With two machined , clean surfaces and a gasket you should not need any glue, rtv etc. Just my 2 cents.

 

That's a good idea.

I've NEVER replaced an intake gasket on any of the engines that I've had to remove just the upper intake. I just use a light bead of RTV around the runner holes. Done this probably a dozen times with no ill effects.

On the other hand, if you're rebuilding the engine, then, duh, yes, go with all new gaskets.

Ren