What do you guys recommend to remove the gasket?
I'm changing out my waterpump and the old gasket is stuck on the water pump housing.
I was told not to use anything metal to scrape off the gasket.
I tried that gel gasket remover stuff, but it doesn't work.

Any suggestions? I tried a razor blade, but I want to be sure it'll be okay since I was told not to use metal scraper.

Also, can I use a liquid gasket on it? There are slight grooves/nicks on the mating surface of the housing as well. Should I sand it down to smoothen it?

TIA everyone!

 

You could use a razor blade if you are careful. I used a Dremel tool to remove the gasket though. Was a lot quicker. I used a rough grit to get the majority off and when it started getting thin I switched to a fine grit wheel to get it down to the metal. Just for good measure I used a polishing wheel to shine it up real nice.

 

There are pretty good gasket removing tools at most parts stores.
Try not to gouge into the housing.
Gasket removal is always a PITA. You’re not alone.

I reassemble with RTV (silicone sealant).
Note how the directions say let is set a few minutes before assembly.

Also reseal the housing to front cover gasket.
It usually cracks loose when working on the pump gasket.

 

AcidShock and SureShot are on the right trail, just keep in mind that if you're going to be using RTV (gray, black,or red in this area due to the heat), you don't want a polished surface for adhesion reasons...

If you have a pneumatic die grinder, use the small round scotchbrite pads (some auto stores have them), and no more will any gasket ever kick your ***. In a matter of minutes, the gasket's gone, and you've "prepped" the surface with millions of tiny scratches to allow good RTV adhsion.

Note what SureShot said about that pump housing-to-front housing gasket also-very important. If in doubt, remove the pump housing to access it & reseal it. You don't want any leaks there after all the work is back together. If the pump housing has not moved at all (i.e. that gasket seal hasn't broken), you should be OK...

 

Thanks guys!

Is it better to use a real OEM gasket thank the RTV? I have both actually. Should I just grind off the gasket and use the RTV or should I polish the surface and use the gasket?

 

as for the housing side, I also have a new gasket for that. same deal on the otherside, i need ot remove the old gasket on both mating surfaces...

 

3M makes gasket remover "grinding" wheels. Works wonders. They're actually stiff plastic.

 

I went the Checker (checker shucks, Kragen group) and bought a tool that let you attach straight edge razor to a 6" handle. It came with blades of various widths from 1 to 3" wide. Its a good all-purpose tool that works nice on gaskets.