Removing Gaskets and Seals from Aluminum?

[Chips O'Toole]

I thought I was saving money, removing and replacing my tractor's steering cylinder by myself. Then while I was installing it, the piston rod put a hole in the front gear case.

The used gear case I bought to replace it has an oil seal and old gaskets stuck to it. It's aluminum. What's the genius way to remove them? Maybe a pressure washer? I know using a razor on aluminum is stupid.

 

[matthewsx]

You can buy gasket remover at the auto supply. Might help here.

 

[woodchucker]

also, old gasket sealer was made of two different products before you get to the new modern style.

lacquer and shellac.
Shellac can be melted by soaking in denatured alchohol.
lacquer melts with lacquer thinner.

 

[Jim F]

Yellow 3M bristle disc.
What we used at FOMOCO dealers.
Green is for steel and iron.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40064937/

 

[Firebrick43]

I thought I was saving money, removing and replacing my tractor's steering cylinder by myself. Then while I was installing it, the piston rod put a hole in the front gear case.

The used gear case I bought to replace it has an oil seal and old gaskets stuck to it. It's aluminum. What's the genius way to remove them? Maybe a pressure washer? I know using a razor on aluminum is stupid.

This doesn't make a lot of sense at all, ether stuck seal (most of the time a seal puller or punch or the broken housing. Can you provide some pictures/info as to what tractor?

 

[markba633csi]

Try soaking with orange oil, it's good for softening adhesives

 

[Cadillac]

Can you elaborate on why using a razor blade on aluminum is stupid? Ive been doing it for 20yrs.
Using anything the wrong way will get you in trouble on a sealing surface!

 

[woodchucker]

Can you elaborate on why using a razor blade on aluminum is stupid? Ive been doing it for 20yrs.
Using anything the wrong way will get you in trouble on a sealing surface!

well I think that not everyone feels comfortable doing it. it is a risky op, and if you don't trust yourself it's a good idea to look at other options.

 

[FOMOGO]

You do have to pay attention. I have several carbide scrapers that I have good luck with. Just keep a shallow angle of attach. If you do end up gouging a little the sealer will generally take care of it, I like the grey silicone developed for the Ford 7.3 diesel. Mike

 

[Hawkeye]

I used to remove gaskets from motorcycle engines with a hacksaw blade. (Collective gasp!) No, you use the smooth edge, not the toothy one. Hacksaw blades usually have a 90 degree spine that makes a great scraper. The length of the blade allows you to bridge from one side of the engine to the other, keeping the blade from digging in to the finished surface. Keep the blade nearly perpendicular to the surface, letting a single edge do its work.