Removing stuck gasket!

[JetspeedCamry]

Hey,

I'm wondering if anyone has a technique to remove/penetrate an old gasket. The one in question is between the intake plenum and intake manifold on my V6. Ive got parts of it iff..around the ports, but theres sections of it that are really stuck on around the bolt holes and studs. Ive tried scraping it, and its not very effective...an i'm thinking i will damage the alloy surface if i go to hard.
So i'm thinking of spraying something on the areas, to looses it slightly, so that i can lightly scrape it off tomorrow.
Is there anything that works effectively?

Thanks.

[PlacentaJuan]

mate i had the same thing the other day with the gasket on the pipe joined to the water pump.

i tried sanding it with a fine emery paper but then took it to work and used the linisher wheel.

i did try a few solvents around the house but to no avail!

the linisher worked really good (havnt leak checked it yet though!)

mind you, this gasket has some kind of glue or somethign on it, so yours might be different.

[Toobs]

Gasket remover is what you need:

http://www.speco.com.au/vht_chemicals.html

You should be able to pick some up from your local auto parts store (Repco, AutoOne, AutoBarn, Supercheap etc. etc.)

[JetspeedCamry]

Thanks for that guys...thats the perfect product!..
Is there anything more common that could soften it enough? I was hoping to do it tonight
I have WD40, Carby Cleaner, Thinners, Acetone etc..

[Toobs]

Carby cleaner will help... it's just a lot thinner than the gasket remover and you will have to be careful that it doesn't get on any rubber seals etc.
The gasket remover comes out sort of like a gel so it stays where you spray it and is not as likely to overspray onto other area's as carby cleaner etc.

[JetspeedCamry]

Ok thankyou..ill give it a go, try to be careful with it

[30psi 4agte]

I dont want to ruin your hopes but i not a huge fan of tat stuff every product i have tried has never satisfied me.In your case you might be lucky just dont get your hopes up!

A sharp razor blade should get the gasket off and not damage anything.

Failing that if you have access to an air compressor you can use the little scotch brite pads that will remove it

[jonra23]

Pull the studs out using 2 nuts locked together, will be a fair bit easier then to just scrape it off.

regards
jon

[30psi 4agte]

yep on the money there !!! can make it alot easier esp when time isnt against you.

[JetspeedCamry]

Ok, thanks guys!

[TopSecret]

Use some sort of blade, thats the way to go for sure.

[Ben Wilson]

Use a blade, but hold it at 90 degrees to the surface, scrape it over the gasket like that. It will get rid of the gasket and clean the surface without gouging it.