This is for removing engine gaskets in general, but my particular problem right now is with getting my blown head gasket off of the block. I have been trying the putty knife trick, but it doesn't seem sharp enough to do the job. What tools or chemicals do you guys recommend, and do I need to be careful of damaging the block?

Rob

 

usually a gasket scraper is enough to get it off if you work at it. You can try scotch brite pads, or sandpaper if you're careful to not damage the mating surfaces.

 

If you are REAL careful you could use an abrasive pad on a little air-powered die grinder. You need to be incredibly careful not to let it dig into the metal. You need very light stokes.

 

That's what I use. You don't have to be quite as careful on the block if it is a cast iron block since it does not mar as easily as the aluminum on the head. The key is to only take off the gasket and not the metal. they also have different pads. Some are more course than others.

 

I use a plexiglass ski wax scraper.

On the cast iron block I used some chemical gasket remove (permatex) and a razor blad. Its kind hard to gouge the cast iron block, but dont try to either.

 

I seem to remember some sort of gasket remover spray or brush on stuff from the local auto parts store. Worked pretty good too!

 

Chemical gasket remover, spray some on, let it sit for 20 minutes, scrape it off, and apply another coat of remover scrape it again.

Gaskets get very hard with age, letting the chemical soak on them a time or two works wonders.

 

Go to NAPA and get a can of gasket remover. Spray it on and the stuck on gasket turns to goo.

 

Just-intime tool works good for me. (orange scraper)

 

Their are these yellow pads with a bunck of long studs on it. You can get them at Lowe/Home Depot. They mount onto an air tool and rotate. Put clothes in your cylinders. There is no risk of damage to your block using these. When done, pull the clothes out, careful to get all or as much dust and gasket material out as you can. What you can't get out, use a shop vac to suck it out.

This is what we used in the Coast Guard and it's the best thing that I've seen to do the job. Good for rust too.

 

i sharpened a putty knife, and w/the gasket goo stuff, makes the job a breeze

 

aren't those called flap brushes?

 

I can't remember what they're called, but they work great. They're yellow and made out of plastic.....the whole thing, bristles and all.

These aren't those wheels with the sand paper flaps if that's what you're thinking.

Either way, the yellow plastic wheels with the bristle are the best thing I've used to rmove gaskets. Give it a try sometime if you see some out in the store.

 

HOLY CRAP!! That permatex gasket remover sold by NAPA freakin WORKS!!

I have a few trouble spots on my 3vze deck that were being stubborn, this stuff, plus a sharp, stiff paint scraper just wizzed it off!!! Aside from DEVOURING anything not metal, it also penetrates carbon build up VERY well! Now my valve reliefs look squeeky clean!

 

Those things do work awsomely well. I totally forgot about those. We use them at our shop.

 

this thread is worthless without pics!!!! lol

 

I'll see if I can't find some tomorrow and post some pics. I don't have any in the garage right now.

 

gasket remover and a razor blade