Valve Cover Gasket Removal

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  • snackie
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    Valve Cover Gasket Removal

    I'm about to remove the valve cover and adjust the valves. So, I'm preparing myself for a battle with the old valve cover gasket. Just wondering if anyone has tried "oven cleaner" with much success.

    Thanks!
  • earlfor
    Forum LongTimer
    Charter Member
    GSResource Superstar
    Past Site Supporter
    • May 2002
    • 42410
    • off grid cabin 1/24/26 7pm

    #2
    Originally posted by snackie
    I'm about to remove the valve cover and adjust the valves. So, I'm preparing myself for a battle with the old valve cover gasket. Just wondering if anyone has tried "oven cleaner" with much success.

    Thanks!
    Not knowing what the reaction of oven cleaner to the aluminum would be, I would hesitate using it.
    Komorebi-The light filtering through the trees.

    I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. H.D.T.

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    • robertbarr
      Forum Sage
      Past Bard Award Winner
      GSResource Superstar
      • Sep 2005
      • 2721
      • Joliet, Illinois

      #3
      OTOH, I've used Permatex aerosol gasket remover, which I would bet is basically oven cleaner. That and a plastic ice scraper (and in some spots a single-edge razor) gets it done for me. (Stinks like oven cleaner, too).

      Let me add: I use masking tape & newspaper to protect painted areas. Not sure what it does to paint, and don't want to experiment on a nice bike...
      and God said, "Let there be air compressors!"
      __________________________________________________ ______________________
      2009 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, 2004 HondaPotamus sigpic Git'cha O-ring Kits Here!

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      • Nessism
        Forum LongTimer
        GSResource Superstar
        Past Site Supporter
        Super Site Supporter
        • Mar 2006
        • 35784
        • Torrance, CA

        #4
        Spraying the gasket remover in a cup and dabbing it on the gasket will save you a lot of masking time. Allow the remover some time to work, scrape, apply again, and eventually you will get the gasket all off.
        Ed

        To measure is to know.

        Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

        Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

        Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

        KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

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        • snackie

          #5
          Thanks for the o-Rings!

          Originally posted by robertbarr
          OTOH, I've used Permatex aerosol gasket remover, which I would bet is basically oven cleaner. That and a plastic ice scraper (and in some spots a single-edge razor) gets it done for me. (Stinks like oven cleaner, too).

          Let me add: I use masking tape & newspaper to protect painted areas. Not sure what it does to paint, and don't want to experiment on a nice bike...
          Mr. Barr, thanks for the O-Ring kit, carbs are done and once I adjust the valves, we'll see how she runs.

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          • dagreatgatsby

            #6
            i use 3M roloc bristle disc 2". works like a charm. i use the yellow (80 grit) one but i think the white (120 grit) would've been better. you can also youtube it to see for yourself.

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            • 1980GS1000E
              Forum Sage
              Past Site Supporter
              • Aug 2007
              • 1664
              • San Diego, California, USA

              #7
              Soak the new gasket in WD40 or coat it in grease to simplify your life.
              Current Rides: 1980 Suzuki GS1000ET, 2006 H-D Fatboy, 2021 BMW K1600B

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