Cleaning off old gasket sealants

[fwi]

Just removed my 383 intake manifold, both sides of the valley pan and the intake manifold are just covered in some kind of permatex like material, some is gray some is black, the black stuff is like those rubber boogers, the gray stuff comes off fairly easily but flakes a lot.......I have plugged all head intake ports as well as stuffed a towel in the block opening to catch the loose stuff.
My question is: is there an easy way to remove this crap and what is the best stuff to use when I re install my new tunnel ram intake?

 

[SublimeSixpack]

I use a good gasket scraper as well as razor blade.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Check the flange to head mating surface.Lay the intake on the heads clean & bare.Check with a feeler gauge to make sure both surfaces are true and on the same plane.

 

[fwi]

I read a lot of differing opinions on whether to use any sort of sealant or not on the valley pan. Some say to only use sealant under the front and rear hold down brackets, otherwise nothing on the valley pan or between the pan and intake.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Ask Greg at http://www.superformanceproducts.com/. I use all his gaskets except head & exhaust 'cause he doesn't make them.

 

[SublimeSixpack]

I read a lot of differing opinions on whether to use any sort of sealant or not on the valley pan. Some say to only use sealant under the front and rear hold down brackets, otherwise nothing on the valley pan or between the pan and intake.

It's been a while since I've done a big block intake but when I did I used copper spray sealant on both sides of the metal gasket (valley pan) where it makes contact with the intake and heads and a dab of black silicone in the corners.

 

[WileE]

Use a razor to remove the material. Clean with a cloth using acetone for any minor residual. Use Indian head on new gaskets.

 

[67belvedere/225]

they sell gasket remover in spray cans , it works well on old dried up gaskets
the best silicone out there is permatex "the right stuff"

 

[RT K_line]

I've tried several types of sealers and have found that silicone sealant works best. To remove the old sealer I use a die grinder with a wire cup brush. Of course I cover all openings before doing it. A razer blade also works too.

 

[not so famous bob]

Just removed my 383 intake manifold, both sides of the valley pan and the intake manifold are just covered in some kind of permatex like material, some is gray some is black, the black stuff is like those rubber boogers, the gray stuff comes off fairly easily but flakes a lot.......I have plugged all head intake ports as well as stuffed a towel in the block opening to catch the loose stuff.
My question is: is there an easy way to remove this crap and what is the best stuff to use when I re install my new tunnel ram intake?

B-G chemtool carb/f.i. cleaner---------------------------

 

[fwi]

B-G chemtool carb/f.i. cleaner---------------------------

I have a quart of that stuff.....used only once to clean a carb.

 

[beanhead]

All good advice here..On the valley pan, I just replace them...they're cheap enough and you'll save the hassle of trying to get the stuff off the crushed ribs of the sealing edges...cleaning gasket surfaces is, without question, my absolute least favorite job on a car...I'd rather replace the dashpad in my '68 with the front seats installed...or remove & reinstall a driver side header with one arm...

 

[SublimeSixpack]

On the valley pan, I just replace them...they're cheap enough and you'll save the hassle of trying to get the stuff off the crushed ribs of the sealing edges.

beanhead brings up a good point.
fwi You do plan to replace the gasket (valley pan) don't you? I always do!

 

[fwi]

Already bought a new one..... Thanks.

 

[fwi]

Just a test fit......... now for putting it all together especially throttle cable and fuel lines......