928 at last

Ok, What do the pro's use?
There's no way in H$ll that anyone who actually earns a living at this could possibly spend the time I have to clear the old gasket material off of the block (water pump). And earn a living....no way.
I've already been down the scrape followed with lacquer thinner and scotchbrite route. with a little 220 grit thrown in....and it's still not there......IMHO.
Thoughts, suggestions and abuse appreciated.....
BTW, I'm not new to this, but I haven't seen anything this stubborn yet....

Silver79

They would use an air powered right angle die grinder with a bristle disc wheel that is compatible with aluminum. A quick search on the net will provide you with what you need. Joe

928 at last

That wheel would be compatible with Alusil?
And,,,which wheel might that be?

fltechpilot

It looks like you have the perfect avatar for this job

I just did mine about 10 months ago and I have no recollection of what I used...

GregBBRD

They would be instantly fired, in my shop, for using one of these. Instantly...pick up your check on the way out the door.

This process leaves surfaces very irregular.

We use razor blades. Once you get the majority of the old gasket off, hold a razor blade perpendicular to the surface and use it like a scraper.

Speedtoys

Yes.

They are a rubbery/plastic wheel with nipples on it..that wear away the softer non-aluminum debris...but not harm the metal.

I us them to prep for welding..unsure about a decked surface, etc.

Silver79

I have used the rubber discs on numerous mating surfaces over the years and not once has it resulted in a leak with the use of the CORRECT wheel. Use the incorrect wheel for the material and all bets are off.

Some automotive manufacturer's do not support the use of these pads due to the fact that the bristles may get into the oil supply and cause issues. Common sense should be used as to not hold it in any one place for too long.

At the same time I have seen just as much damage caused by people using a razor blade incorrectly on an aluminum surface. Visible gouges where the blade digs into the surface. Again, use common sense and all will be fine. Joe

Speedtoys

Imo000

Have you tried Permatex Gasket Remover? Comes in a spray can.

Kevin in Atlanta

+1

This is exactly how I was taught by my late mechanic.

Want to be

time, razor blades, 1000 grit. I my try the permenex cleaner, but I had tried brake cleaner on a rag.

jeff spahn

I used the razor blade as recommended by Dr. Brown. It worked great. Oh and a 80 grit sanding disc on my DA also (just kidding on that).

Imo000

The Permqtex is nothing like a brake cleaner. It's furniture varnish stripper in a can.

Tom. M

Can't seem to find the good permatex (16 oz can) these days. Tried their new 4oz env. safe formula. Didn't work worth a crap.

I did find some CRC Gasket remover (12 oz can) and it worked like the old permatex. Going to stock up on it..hard to find too..

Lizard928

Tom,
I can get it everywhere up here, and it does work.
But a razor blade is the best for getting 99% of the material off first