What is this horrible gasket stuff?

Valiant Farmer · Jun 3, 2019

I've been diving into my Dexta, starting to seal up major engine oil leaks, finding several missing bolts.
Now it is turning into a nightmare...
As the gasket behind the rear crank seals, and now as the sump gasket, I have found that the last mechanic used (as gasket paper) some sort of extra tough gauze, with triple strength superglue, that sticks the surfaces together so tight I could barely pry them apart, and a wire wheel on a drill refuses to move it, unless I scuff the surface with a rough sandpaper.
What is this material? How to remove it?
Any help appreciated!
Joshua

MarkB_MI · Jun 3, 2019

If indeed it is superglue, acetone or MEK (methyl-ethyl-ketone) will cut it. I suspect, however, that it's epoxy or maybe urethane. Good luck trying to remove that stuff.

You might try taking a torch to it. Few adhesives can resist heat. Silicone is very heat-resistant, but it doesn't sound like that's what you have.

Traditional Farmer · Jun 3, 2019

Three things you might try brake fluid,fingernail polish remover and oven cleaner.

Stephen Newell · Jun 3, 2019

I normally clean off an old gasket with a glass scraper. It's just a single edge razor blade with a handle.

4520BW · Jun 3, 2019

I like the plastic bristle discs for removing old gaskets.

rustyfarmall · Jun 3, 2019

(quoted from post at 03:54:37 06/03/19) If indeed it is superglue, acetone or MEK (methyl-ethyl-ketone) will cut it. I suspect, however, that it's epoxy or maybe urethane. Good luck trying to remove that stuff.

You might try taking a torch to it. Few adhesives can resist heat. Silicone is very heat-resistant, but it doesn't sound like that's what you have.

I encountered a manifold gasket on a Farmall H that would not yield to a scraper or a wire wheel on my bench grinder. I fired up the torch and held the flame to the gasket. The gasket just sort of disappeared.

showcrop · Jun 3, 2019

That sounds like "cloth inserted rubber". Rubber will of course turn brittle with age and heat. I would try the torch as rustyfarmall suggested.

Gary Mitchell · Jun 3, 2019

I'd try a good cup brush on one of my smaller, high speed angle grinders, (4"). If that doesn't do it having one around is handy anyway. gm

Jeff NWOH · Jun 3, 2019

There used to be gasket remover in an aerosol can. I don't think you can buy it any more, but aerosol paint stripper is the same thing. May take an application or 2, but it softens up most anything I've tried it on including your paint.

Destroked 450 · Jun 4, 2019

Before RTV sealers became available some shops used 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive, it was yellow and once it dried it was near impossible to remove.

rlp in Co. · Jun 4, 2019

A Sharp wood chisel. If that fails, dinamite.

What is this horrible gasket stuff?

Valiant Farmer

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MarkB_MI

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Traditional Farmer

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Stephen Newell

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4520BW

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rustyfarmall

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showcrop

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Gary Mitchell

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Jeff NWOH

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Destroked 450

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rlp in Co.

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