Cylinder Block base gasket removal

What's the best way to remove old (stubborn) base gasket material from a KZ engine cylinder block ? I've tried the spray-on gasket removal product.... didn't work worth a crap !

I used sharp wood chisels to get mine off, followed by a regiment of media blasting to remove any remaining traces of gasket material

Students at barber college are trained to shave foam off a tightly inflated balloon using a straight razor.

This exercise is to demonstrate the care needed to avoid nicks.

May easily imagine the results of over zealous application.

Would bear this in mind while removing the old gasket material from the soft aluminum mating surfaces.

Good Fortune!

doesnt hurt to heat/burn up the gasket material a bit with a blow torch, makes it softer

TG

gpzman2000 wrote:

What's the best way to remove old (stubborn) base gasket material from a KZ engine cylinder block ? I've tried the spray-on gasket removal product.... didn't work worth a crap !

If it's like mine, kawi used a sealer like 3-bond on it which is impervious to just about everything. A single sided razor blade and about 3 hours is what it took to get mine off. Use a scotchbrite pad to final rub the mating surfaces.

In or Out of Frame??

Cylinder head studs out?

In Frame, don't worry about mess. Pull off oil pan. Clean out from underneath. Junk will fall out!

I use 50% real laquer thinner (collision shop) and 50% marvels mystery oil. Spray bottle or use a squirt bottle with the little nozzle.

Let it soak and keep it wet 1-2 days. It will soften.
Someone the other day suggested plexi-glass. instead of razors, razors just cut in so easy, and gouge.

Laquer thinner will evaporate, marvels mystery oil is great for anything!!!

My 75 Harley FL still has leaded gas, valve seats. I run 4oz to a full 5 gals. of gas. Love the smell! I hone cylinders with Marvels oil too!

Learned this in 1976 from an old dragrace engine builder!!

Good luck!