Glued Gasket Nightmare

1yearonLy · 1yearonLy's Garage

Unsure of my '68's cam chain tensioner history I dug in there to find gaurds already in place. Excellent.

The problem is that the last time someone was in there they glued on the cam chain cover gasket and it has adhered to that face. It only comes of in minute little pieces leaving the glue residue. A nightmare for sure.

Any ideas on how to remove that gasket? is there some gasket remover that will break it down to where it's possible to get it all off in under a day?

I am beside myself on this...

Thanks

john walker's workshop · 07-30-2003, 07:31 AM

buck knife. normal problem.

1yearonLy · 1yearonLy's Garage

I thought about this but was afraid it would score up (uneven) the surface and beg for leaks. No??

Superman · 07-30-2003, 07:43 AM

Yes, if you gouge up the surface, it will be difficult to get it to seal. Still, your best bet is to carefully scrape it with a sharp knife.

1yearonLy · 1yearonLy's Garage

Is there a solvent or anything that will loosen it up? It's like hardened candy now.

One more question... Do I need to drain the oil to replace this cover and gasket?? I wouldn't think so but I figured I should ask.

n8marx · n8marx's Garage

Razor blades always worked on my Chevies. It seems everyone uses a quart of blue RTV when they assemble a 350. And they still leak.

Rot 911 · 07-30-2003, 07:47 AM

I use a steel putty knife that I sharpened the edge on. Less chance of digging into the aluminum that way.

1yearonLy · 1yearonLy's Garage

One more question... Do I need to drain the oil to replace this cover and gasket?? I wouldn't think so but I figured I should ask.

Rot 911 · 07-30-2003, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1yearonLy
One more question... Do I need to drain the oil to replace this cover and gasket?? I wouldn't think so but I figured I should ask.

No

AFJuvat · 07-30-2003, 07:58 AM

Do not have to drain the oil - but keep a drip pan handy for any drips.

WD-40 or carb cleaner tends to loosen old glued on gaskets - with a trusty old razor blade.

AFJuvat

1yearonLy · 1yearonLy's Garage

You guys are awesome, thanks for your help. My plan of attack:

-Get all the way back in there
-WD40 the gasket and let marinate
-Carefully razor blade that old one off
-Back myself out with a new cover gasket, muffler gaskets and straps.

-Cross thy fingers.

TMH · 07-30-2003, 08:20 AM

If you want to be really careful at first you can try a plastic putty knife. Might not be strong enough, but with solvents it might be. Then I have always used a pneumatic die grinder tool with a wire brush attachment to get the residues off.

Good luck,
Tom

scottb · 07-30-2003, 08:43 AM

Would it be appropriate to use a strong solvent like brake or carb cleaner?

Zeke · 07-30-2003, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kurt V
I use a steel putty knife that I sharpened the edge on. Less chance of digging into the aluminum that way.

And I use a carpenter's wood chisel mostly because I'm a carpenter. Works the same as the stiff putty knife, which is very well.

Also, I use lacquer thinner or MEK on anything that it will disolve which doesn't include RTV. Better to do it passively than to chew up the surface. I like the idea of a plastic one and I see those in the wallpaper section at the Home Defect. Gonna get a couple.

john walker's workshop · 07-30-2003, 10:42 AM

i also have a nicely sharpened narrow wood chisel that works really well around all the studs.

tsuter · 07-30-2003, 12:01 PM

I use a regular old plastic dinner knife like you get on the airlines these days. I just sharpen it to a razor edge on the grinder first. It ain't gonna nick your surface! Guarenteed!

Alan Cottrill · Alan Cottrill's Garage

goof off works miracles

on-ramp · 07-30-2003, 12:39 PM

"WD40 the gasket and let marinate "

LOL, I like your choice of words, as if you're preparing a large T-bone steak for the grill

good luck

RickM · RickM's Garage

Has anyone used any of the following gasket removal sprays? From reputable companies and fairly easy to find.
VHT:
http://www.pjhbrands.com/vht/gasketremover.htm

Loctite:
http://www.loctite.com.au/automotive/gasketremover.htm

Permatex:
http://www.iboats.com/products/7/4116_permatex_reg_gasket_remover.html

Also, have you considered the 3M Scotch-Brite discs? They make "metal prep" discs that will work in drill or pads that attach to a die grinder.

1yearonLy · 1yearonLy's Garage

I have a little dremel tool with pads like that but I'm afraid of getting bits of metal in there.