Cleaning prior to new gasket application

[NigelC]

Finally, I am rebuiding the motor in my Group S Alfetta. I bought an old engine and have dismantled the black, oil covered contraption to fit new pistons, chains, cams, carburetors etc. My question to readers is what is the best way to remove the gunk left from the rotten gaskets. This includes gasket material, gunk to repair leaking gaskets, carbon, and road-kill.

I do know not to use a rasp, chisel or jack-hammer but degreaser, cloth and elbow grease just isn't cutting it.

Any help gratefully recieved.

[Craig_m67]

Nulon carb degreaser (supercheap) + carefull use of a sharp razor blade

[colcol]

Spray on gasket stripper or paint stripper, [paint it on with brush],  just wear a mask when using it and scrape off using blunt paint scraper, Colin.

[LukeC]

+ Lots of elbow grease and patience (and some good tunes);

My first pass is usually with a scrapper made from an industrial hacksaw machine blade (about 10" long, 1 1/4" wide, the teeth ground off and about a 70* angle ground on the end). It will not dig into the aluminium when used correctly and because of the very high quality high carbon steel, only needs a touch up once or twice every engine.

I once bought a Snap-on gasket scrapper... useless as apart from the nice handle.

Finish all gasket surfaces with a green scotchbright (yes, the sort you buy at Woolies!)

[brook308]

Spray on gasket stripper or paint stripper, [paint it on with brush],  just wear a mask when using it and scrape off using blunt paint scraper, Colin.

That's the way to do it.

[NigelC]

Thank you one and all, I will post a bright shiny picture when I'm finished ... in March!

[Mick A]

+ 1 on the hacksaw blade sharpened on a linishing belt.
Also buy yourself a fine diamond-file to finish off the sharpening.