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Removing old stubborn head gasket material.

willstone
Posts: 36
Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2020 9:11 am

Removing old stubborn head gasket material.

Post by willstone »

Any tips for removing old strongly attached head gasket material from aluminum cylinder top. I don't wanna scratch it. Does Gasket Remover actually work? What does work? This is on a 1975 R90/6.

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schrader7032
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Re: Removing old stubborn head gasket material.

Post by schrader7032 »

Years ago on the overhaul of my /7, I soaked the piston crowns in Hydroseal II by Gunk for about a week. I was then able to scrape off the carbon build up with some sharp pieces of wood.
Kurt in S.A.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.

willstone
Posts: 36
Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2020 9:11 am

Re: Removing old stubborn head gasket material.

Post by willstone »

Nothing has worked so far. Permatex gasket remover did absolutely nothing. I tried paint and shellac remover. Nothing. I have been unable to remove the remaining head gasket residue. I am perplexed. Any suggestions out there?

jimcarrr100rs
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Re: Removing old stubborn head gasket material.

Post by jimcarrr100rs »

I have used razor blades (very carefully)
77 & 83 R100RS, 56 R69, 74 R90/6

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jwonder
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Re: Removing old stubborn head gasket material.

Post by jwonder »

I agree with razor blades and being careful. Use them at a very shallow angle and flat. I have scraped a lot of aluminum heads of all types with razor blades.
James Wonder
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Long Island, New York

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cbclemmens
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Re: Removing old stubborn head gasket material.

Post by cbclemmens »

Walmart sells a scraper that is perfect for this job. It has a wide razorblade scraper blade. Just keep it flat and dont push too hard.

Craig
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strichzwei
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Re: Removing old stubborn head gasket material.

Post by strichzwei »

Heat is your friend!

LesCriess
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Re: Removing old stubborn head gasket material.

Post by LesCriess »

Not sure about aluminum heads but, I've used oven cleaner on cast iron heads/cylinders with good results. Spray it on, let it set for a bit, & scrape the gunk off. Other's thoughts about usage on aluminum??
SW Washington Coast, another half mile West & you're wet!
'73 R75/5, SWB, '76 'Wing, '49 Willys truck

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cbclemmens
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Re: Removing old stubborn head gasket material.

Post by cbclemmens »

Most oven cleaners contain lye, Sodium Hydroxide. That can dissolve Aluminum. Not a good idea.

Craig

LesCriess
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Re: Removing old stubborn head gasket material.

Post by LesCriess »

Ah....
SW Washington Coast, another half mile West & you're wet!
'73 R75/5, SWB, '76 'Wing, '49 Willys truck

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