Water pump gasket removal

[kilodawg]

Bear with me I'm a pump and belt virgin (or at least I was). I've got everything apart and the pump removed. Everthing went too smoothly so either this is an easy job or all my problems are lurking on the back end.

I spent a portion of the day degreasing the whole area in preparation for the build back up but I still have some remnants of the old Water pump gasket on the front end. What do you guys use to remove it? The gasket remnants are black in color and something like a thin brittle plastic if that helps any.

Thanks as always

[Techno Duck]

I always use a razor blade. Just be careful to not nick the aluminum.

[SuperXRAY]

I use a Lisle Scaper, uses regular razor blades. Just have to be careful with it and patient. I go back with gasket remover, which you can buy both at your local auto parts store.

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=1027

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=63265

Gasket remover is expensive, but IMO well worth it.

[944 Ecology]

I use a 3M abrasive roloc disc on a die grinder. It cleans up the metal with very little chance of damaging the surface.

[John_AZ]

Since you are new to the pump process review the procedure with pictures at :
http://www.arnnworx.com/h2o-pump.htm

GL
John_AZ

[70SWT]

If time is no object: dab it using a rag, or spray if you feel bold, with the softener agent of your choice and let it sit (I have variously used PB Blaster, 3M Adhesive Remover, most any solvent works if you let it sit long enough).

It will then (often incrementally, in layers) scrape off with a stiff plastic putty knife afterward. Reapply/repeat as needed. A green abrasive pad used by hand assists the process. Never have been a fan of using a rotary device in this area, even with the cooling passages protected with a rag stuffed in etc, but YMMV.

Or, if you are in a hurry and elect to go the razor blade route as above, make sure you scrape with the blade essentially parallel to the mounting surface area, rotating the blade as you work your way around. The idea is that if you do scrape the aluminum, you won't create a line straight across the gasket area.