valve cover gasket removal

I tried the search engine without any joy.

How do I remove the old crunchy gasket from the head and the valve cover? That old gasket is really baked on there.

I've tried Permtex Gasket Remover with no joy also.

Thanks for your tips, ol' wise ones.
Jim

 

I took mine off this past weekend and used an old screwdriver as a small chisel and carefully pried it off. You will need to do some careful cleaning as little bits and pieces will stay stuck on after you get the majority of it off.

 

I am really afraid of using a chisel on these parts. I worry about gouging the metal and having the potential for leaks not to mention metal shaving falling on the valve shims.

How about some chemical solutions?

Thanks.
Jim

 

Use a thin but flat ended putty knife. Start at the corner of the cover and work your way under the gasket. It may just pop up as you move along.

 

Mine separated from the engine with no problem, but was baked on to the valve cover. I slowly pried with the screwdriver and pulled with my other hand.

Since yours is baked on to the engine, an alternative to the screwdriver would be to get some plastic paint scrapers from a local home improvement store and use that as a chisel. That way no metal shavings, but you'll still have to be careful not to get bits and pieces of valve cover gasket on the shims.

 

Go to the toothbrush isle.

Find the 'throw out flossers' with the toothpicks on the handles.
Get em.

Break a bit off the toothpick, you now have a custom fit plastic sharp chisel to fit right in the valve cover grooves

 

I like to use a regular one sided razor blade.

 

If it's stuck on the cylinder head, scrape it off using a window razor scraper. Use a little (clean) oil to help keep the blade sliding smoothly. That should allow you to get the gasket off and retain the smooth surface of the top of the cylinder head.