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old screwdriver I've been using to scrape gaskets since the 70's when I owned a Chevy with a cast iron block is now out of date.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

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!

i, very carefully, use an exacto blade.

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

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





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:





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

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

Plastic Sealant Scraper.

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

Recommended.

buttgoat1 wrote on 05/25/10 at 19:46:27:


+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.

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....  

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

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