Impossible gasket--how to?

[Jamesp]

I'm doing a shim update on a GS 1100. The previous owner or a shop put some kind of brown looking adhesive on the gasket--I guess to seal it. I don't want to gouge it up so am looking for suggestions on how to remove the adhesive and gasket material left on the head and valve cover. I've already tried soaking in PB blaster, laquer thinner, and acetone (acetone and laquer dry to fast to really soak) any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

[blowerbike]

single sided razor blades.
and maybe a few stitches...yes you can injure yourself easily.

[subid]

These work good

http://www.harborfreight.com/mini-gl...ade-96559.html

[Jamesp]

I was hoping to get it off without scaping with anything metal because I've witnessed others really gar up heads with a razor. I think thats what I will have to do because I am out of ideas on what to use to soften or disolve the glue. Thanks much for the suggestions!!!

[tkent02]

Have you tried gasket remover? NAPA sells it among others. Paint remover might work too.

[MAJikMARCer]

I had a lot of luck with Permatex Gasket Remover. I was able to find it at my local ACE Hardware.

[bwringer]

There's a special circle in hell for people who use hardening gasket sealer.

My 850's engine was covered in this crap.

I feel your pain, man. The Permatex gasket remover might soften it a little, but it will also eat up the paint -- you'll want to find a way to apply it precisely.

[Larry D]

Patience is your best friend.

[Nessism]

Spray some of that Permatex gasket remover spray in a cup and dab it on the gasket with an acid brush or similar. Allow about 15 min's to soften the gasket and then scrape. Reapply and rescrape as many times as necessary. Messy and slow job, but not difficult unless you get impatient.

[Dogma]

... not difficult unless you get impatient.

So, difficult then.

[Brendan W]

There's a special circle in hell for people who use hardening gasket sealer.

Have they any room for people who have used super mega-sticky black rtv sealer for the ends of 850 airboxes ?

[Guest]

i find a sharp wood chisel works better (and more safely) than a razor blade.

greg

[Guest]

I had a lot of luck with Permatex Gasket Remover. I was able to find it at my local ACE Hardware.

+1
I had a similar problem and tried the chemicals you mentioned and then some. Finally found some of this permatex gasket remover at Pep boys for $8.99 and bought the plastic razor blades as well. It still took some time, but this stuff seemed to work better than the others. Brush a little on, wait 10 mins and try to catch an edge with the plastic razor blade or a bamboo chopstick. Worked on it over 2 days but finally achieved the desired result.

You'll get good with the brush applicator after several tries.

[MAJikMARCer]

Worked on it over 2 days but finally achieved the desired result.

I think this is the take away here. Do not expect the gasket to come off in an afternoon, even if it's an OEM one in some cases, depending on how long it's been since it's been replaced.

[Steve]

i find a sharp wood chisel works better (and more safely) than a razor blade.

That is also my preferred "weapon".

I have an old one with a broken handle. With the handle missing, I can get into slightly smaller spaces.

It is just very nice to run it along the top edge of the head, knowing that it will only lift the gasket, not dig into the metal.

.