Cleaning sump screen?

[toddetch]

Hi all,

So as per my thread a couple of days ago a leak developed after an oil change. I have a new sump plate kit and silicone gaskets on the way from our host but wanted to clean up the screen also (probably part of my leak problem). See the picture - there is quite a bit of gasket remains on it. Any suggestions on how to get this nice and clean?

Thanks!

Todd

[toddetch]

Sorry, picture didn't load on mobile.

[toddetch]

Sorry, one more question. I haven't jacked up the car yet to really get a good look at the sump itself, but assume there is residue there as well that should be cleaned. Any suggestions on how to clean that?

[Trackrash]

I used a razor blade. Use it in a scraping motion. Be careful not to scratch the metal.

[smadsen]

Since you're so far along here, I'd recommend:
1) tippy-tap the pump screen with a small hammer on a flat surface around the eight holes to get the mating surface dead flat.
2) use a dental pic or something similar, lacquer thinner, & compressed air to get all the silicone chunks out of the screen.
3) before you reassemble, get your fingers up in the motor & scrape out any residual oil & debris, particularly under the distributor where you may find remnants of a Bakelite spacer or more silicone chunks.
4) if you find Bakelite chunks, remove the distributor cap & try to move the shaft up & down. If it moves a quarter inch pull the distributor and replace your now missing Bakelite washer with stainless shims. Cheap insurance to fix now if necessary.