How to clean a gasket off an aluminum intake manifold

[pckeen]

The title says it all. I've pulled apart an intake manifold that has two gaskets on either side of a metal plate. How do I clean the gaskets, and do you normally replace or reuse the metal plate between the two? Is there anything I should avoid doing, such as scraping with a razor blade scraper?

When I put the intake manifold back together (when the new parts arrive), do I use any kind of sealant on the gasket or do I just use the gasket dry?

 

[clemsonfor]

almost sounds like the whole thing may be a gasket? What is the model motor and have you looked at the replacement part to see what it looks like or the parts list to see if they list 3 separate pieces or just one piece which consists of a metal plate with a gasket fused to each side? Just a thought as I am thinking here.

 

[jakedaawg]

Curious as to what model motor you are working on...please post.

But, when it comes to scraping aluminum, many local parts places can get you nylon razor blades. They look just like real razor blades but are made of nylon. I use them regularly, it is still possible to score the aluminum with them but you would really have to try.

Acetone is also your friend if they have been installed with a gasket maker such as permatex.

 

[pckeen]

almost sounds like the whole thing may be a gasket? What is the model motor and have you looked at the replacement part to see what it looks like or the parts list to see if they list 3 separate pieces or just one piece which consists of a metal plate with a gasket fused to each side? Just a thought as I am thinking here.

It's 3 pieces.

 

[pckeen]

Curious as to what model motor you are working on...please post.

But, when it comes to scraping aluminum, many local parts places can get you nylon razor blades. They look just like real razor blades but are made of nylon. I use them regularly, it is still possible to score the aluminum with them but you would really have to try.

Acetone is also your friend if they have been installed with a gasket maker such as permatex.

It's a Honda, but this is a general question about preparing a surface for a gasjet. Not a lot of traffic on the Honda forums, so I posted it here.

 

[interalian]

I use a razor scraper and just make sure I have the angle right so it just "shaves" the gasket off without touching the aluminium. Certain parts that are flat and removeable, I'll dress the gasket off using 120 grit paper on a piece of plywood and just sand it away.

 

[racerone]

Carbide scraper works well in skilled hands !

 

[CraigBarnard]

No Title

I find these work well.