Water pump gasket gunk removal

[jluis]

Finally got some time to get back to replace my 3200 pump and there are some left overs of gasket embedded in the crankcase that I cannot remove.
I would like to avoid using any metal/agressive tools that might scratch the aluminium.

What do you use to dissolve these pieces of old gasket?
I'm going to try to buy a plastic scraper to do it but the gasket is about 9 years old and I guess it won't come off with a scraper alone.

 

[2b1ask1]

Try:

Petrol - if it hard Hermatite
White Spirit - if it is silicone
Meths if it is blue (can't remember the name of it) the old Rolls Royce jointing compound....?

That should help!

 

[2b1ask1]

You should be able to draw a sharp stanley blade over the gasket face to scrape it without damaging the metal no problem.

 

[Trev Latter]

I think that may be Hylomar you're thinking of.

You can get an aerosol type gasket remover spray to help disolve old gaskets and sealer without having to scrape too hard. Might be worth a try.

 

[jluis]

Thanks for the suggestions.
I could not get any plastic scrapper or gasket removal spray today and I probably will have to order it online.
I did manage to buy some paint removing gel and I just applied a bit to the old pump surface.
Will let you know how it goes

By the way, can anyone tell me if the engine in the 3200 moves clockwise or counter clockwise when looking at the crankshaft in the front of the engine?
I know ... I should have checked before removing the belt ...

 

[Contigo]

It's Italian, just assume it is the opposite of the norm

 

[2b1ask1]

Yes the Rolls Royce stuff is indeed Hylomar - it came to me later!