hi guys ive been scraping the gasket material thats still on the block from the waterpump and timing cover for a few hours (laugh, its ok ), ive been using some gasket remover spray and an exacto knife. theres still a bit on the timing cover section, but more where the water pump gasket on the passenger side is. anyone have a simpler method to getting this s**t off? theres gotta be a faster and better way. if i were to leave a bit on would i be sacrificing anything? maybe the surfaces wont mate as well to the new gasket and ill develop leaks? what should i use ? very fine sandpaper? a certain tool that goes on the drill? i got no clue? any help is appreciated (i did a search and found nothing on this). thank you as always.

 

A razor is the best method. I would not use sandpaper anywhere in an engine. Sand and engines simply don't mix! They do make some gasket removal disks to be used with a drill, I have heard of ruined bearings with these too but for the coolant system they may be alright. A good old razor and elbow grease has always treated me right.

I always do my best to make sure mating surfaces are clean and flat, it eliminates the possiblity of leaks or corrosion.

 

go buy a gasket scraper from your local autoparts store. it is basically a razor on a long handle - it will get your job done in 10-15 minutes max. good luck

 

I use a wood chisel (I don't ever use it for wood ) and I have used some of that spray gasket remover before. I have used a rough, non-metallic abrasive pad (like a rough Scotchbrite) chucked in a drill, depending on if I can get to it or not. I finish it up with a clean rag and alcohol. Don't take the chance of a bad seal by leaving any old gasket material behind.

 

Get a gasket scraper that holds a single edge razor blade. Instead of spendy spray-on gasket remover, go steal some of your ole'lady's oven cleaner. You single guys wont have any, go buy it.

 

that was fast guys thank you very much. so i guess i was doing it right then. theres not THAT much left, but i was just thinking i must be doing something wrong to be taking so long. .....oven cleaner? ok. i might go pick up that scraper tommorrow as well. thanks again.