Gasket removal

Post by **cimbalom** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 3:45 pm

What's the easiest and best method for removing the old gaskets that are pretty much welded to the ends of my carburettor? Also, what is the best way to clean the aluminium body of the carb itself?

Thanks.

Rob.

Post by **Willie** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 3:50 pm

I would use an old wood chisel if the gaskets are baked on but,as the carb is aluminium you have to be careful.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 3:55 pm

I use a window scraper (stanley knife blade in a plastic holder) but you need to make sure that the blade is not very sharp (i.e. blunt it, if you don't have an old one handy) as you need to be careful not to dig into the surface of the aluminium. For steel and cast iron faces you don't need to be as cautious.

The mechanic who changed my Land Rover Headgasket (in West Africa) used an old piston ring as a scraper - it worked very well!

Post by **picky** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 4:13 pm

the window scraper is good, and to get good performance and economy it would be best to clean the inside and outside of the carburetor in petrol. Do be careful taking it apart as it is sometimes complicated to put back together if you havnt done it before.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:49 pm

End of a 12" rule works well - but soak them in hot water for a bit and they will likely fall off. Cilit bang works well - as does Poundland Alloy Wheel spray.

Post by **Dominic** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 7:30 am

I use an old worn-out flat file, which I grind smooth on the face, and then grind the end to whatever profile I want. i.e. curved to suit the top of the piston crown for de-coking, and another kept flat for general gasket removal. I grind the end to about 80 degrees, like a very blunt angled chisel. One can remove material very selectively without damaging the metal surface if care is used in this way.