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Message started by Digger on 07/10/09 at 19:31:35

Title: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by Digger on 07/10/09 at 19:31:35

In my effort to track down the recommended gasket sealant to use for the cylinder head cover, I came across an interesting item.

It seems as if pro auto mechanics recommend the use of plastic gasket scrapers when scraping old gasket material off of aluminum engine parts. I guess the dull old screwdriver I've been using to scrape gaskets since the 70's when I owned a Chevy with a cast iron block is now out of date.

As a matter of fact, I can see where the screwdriver has left marks in the gasket surface on my cylinder head cover.

Here's the problem: Where does one find plastic gasket scrapers? I Googled it and got this:

Bojo Tools (http://bojoinc.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=27_1_53&osCsid=b0f61dcfa6edc151b940d1447914a6e9)

However, an old scrounger like me is loath to pay for plastic scrapers like this when I'm sure a suitable item could be made from stuff found around any household.

Problem is, I'm drawing a blank.

What do y'all use for scraping gasket residue from aluminum engine parts?

TIA!

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by Boule’tard on 07/10/09 at 20:49:45

Does it have to be plastic? I had good luck removing stickers from paint by whittling a bamboo shishkebob skewer into a flat screwdriver-like edge. It didn't damage the paint under the stickers, so I imagine it wouldn't harm aluminum either. You do have to freshen up the edge now and then with a pocket knife.

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by BurnPgh on 07/11/09 at 10:09:37

i, very carefully, use an exacto blade.

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by tcreeley on 07/11/09 at 10:58:50

Maybe an ice scraper could be shaped right, or the plastic applicator you use when putting bondo on. Of course I always like a steel putty knife that's wider than the aluminum. Because its not narrow like a screwdriver, it's going to sit flat and not gouge if you're careful and apply the pressure evenly across.

TC

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by Digger on 07/11/09 at 19:37:52

Some good ideas....here is what I ended up doing:

SWMBO had some plastic pot scrapers, you know the kind:

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee201/Digger109/PlasticGasketScraperE.jpg

She got this one from The Pampered Chef." Nothing but the best for my girl. :-*

I trimmed it down a bit using a miniature saw-blade with my Dremel:

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee201/Digger109/PlasticGasketScraper-TrimmedE.jpg

I tried it out today....it works great with no danger of gouging the aluminum surface.

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/11/09 at 20:46:37

I use an old putty knife I found laying next to a dumpster. It has a stiff yet springy blade that takes an edge very well. Laying the edge on so that it slips over one surface & peels the other is the trick. If I turn it over, it gouges, if I have it "right" it still will gouge, but operating it so it doesnt isnt so hard, just gotta be careful. I use a slicing motion a lot, like skinning a deer, working under the skin at an angle, moving forward & to the side, just gotta watch the gasket & see how hard its stuck.

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by Digger on 05/25/10 at 19:31:05

Recently found something even better than the pot scraper (see above):

Plastic Sealant Scraper (http://www.yardstore.com/browse.cfm/4,5858.html).

It works well. If it dulls, you can re-sharpen it easily using some fine sandpaper.

Recommended.

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by buttgoat1 on 05/25/10 at 19:46:27

i got a plastic paint scraper at Lowes,
it works pretty well

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by earlytimz on 05/25/10 at 19:56:08

77607366606760736C010 wrote:

i got a plastic paint scraper at Lowes,
it works pretty well

+1 on this... Look in the paint supply section. I use a plastic putty knife from Lowes. I usually start with a thin springy knife (like I think j_o_g was describing) to get the worst of it, then finish up with the plastic one.

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by babyhog on 05/26/10 at 05:28:07

765B55555740320 wrote:

That one resembles a citrus peeler that I have:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51P6XmWnipL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

(Oh, and I can't believe your woman let you cut up anything Pampered Chef! LOL Just teasing, I have several of those little scrapers... LOVE my Pampered Chef)

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by T Mack 1 - FSO on 05/26/10 at 09:40:14

Years ago when I use to work for a local grogery store chain, we use to have a smooth surface scrapper nearly identical shape & size as that Pampered Chef one, only white in color. We stocked in the Hardware section.

It was back in the days went they put small price tags on the stuff. I think the employees used more of them then the customers bought. ;)

I use to have one in my tool box ..... but I don't remember seeing it lately.... :-?

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by Serowbot on 05/26/10 at 09:51:14

I usually just gather up an assortment of sharp things, and start hacking away...

Hmmm,... a tool?... sounds complicated... :-?...

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by Max_Morley on 05/26/10 at 14:59:50

I believe Permatex makes a spray that dissolves gasket material and it then wipes off easily w/o any danger of damaging the gasket surface. Look in that section of a auto parts and supply store. Max

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by Phelonius on 05/26/10 at 15:08:01

I have a couple of plastic devices hat hold a single edge razor blade. By
pressing it down hard, the blade bends until it is nearly horizontal and shaves the gasket and synthetic booger right off.
These things are designed for removing decals.

Phelonius

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by suzi-q on 05/26/10 at 15:48:45

:)a buddy has something that fits a drill. seems like an eraser matrial. says it take decals and sticky stuff left from trim.

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by marine5317 on 05/26/10 at 18:02:47

MEK--methyl ethyl keytone will dissolve just about any adhesive. Just spray in on with a squirt bottle, wait a minute and you should be able to push your old gasket off with a credit card. You can buy it at Home Depot by the qt.-gal. in the paint department. Watch breathing the fumes.

Ride Safe
Marine5317

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by Digger on 06/17/10 at 21:38:17

113D240311332E3039255C0 wrote:

I believe Permatex makes a spray that dissolves gasket material and it then wipes off easily w/o any danger of damaging the gasket surface. Look in that section of a auto parts and supply store. Max

Here is the aerosol stuff:

Permatex® Low VOC Gasket Remover (http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_removers/auto_Permatex_Low_VOC_Gasket_Remover.htm)

I've had good luck with this stuff on solvent-based gasket sealants. It is not formulated to work on silicone-based gasket sealants.

For removing silicone-based gasket sealants, I use:

Permatex® Silicone Stripper Gasket Remover (http://shop.torresen.com/ships_store/index.php?p=details&ident=163089&mfc=Permatex&sku=80647&prod_name=Silicone+Stripper+Gel+Formula+Gasket+Remover+2+oz.+Tube&sectionid=5296)

This stuff works OK, but requires two or more applications and, even then, you'll still need to do some scraping. Also, it is now getting hard to find (Permatex may have discontinued it, I'm not sure).

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by Digger on 06/17/10 at 21:39:54

20393C3722393D6363676164500 wrote:

Good tip!

Title: Re: Plastic Gasket Scrapers
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/17/10 at 21:41:47

Silicone Stripper
(Permatex may have discontinued it, I'm not sure

Im pretty sure Ive seen some downtown..recently, Pretty sure one of 'ems name was Mandy. Not discontinued.