Tips for removing oil pan gasket?

[ryanwk628]

I’m doing the rear main seal and oil pan gasket per the instructions on here and what I hoped would be a one day job has been fighting me. After removing the t case, trans, clutch and flywheel, I got the pan off with a lot of incremental persuasion, but the gasket stayed on the engine. It’s quite tough and seems well bonded to the block. I spent a long time on my back with a paint scraper and have not made much progress.

Any tips or tricks on removing this? Special tools I should be aware of? Chemicals that may help? Thanks!

 

[Mr. Green]

Looks to be original cork mummified on there. I used one of the nylon paint remover brushes on my cordless. Brushing away so the pieces fly away. I don’t think it’s a huge deal if some bits get on the crank, it’s cork. Not a speedy process but you’re not contouring to clean it off. Just wear a good mask.
If you’re on a creeper, add a crap pillow or rolled towel for head/neck support. Makes a huge difference.

 

[3_puppies]

small vibratory tool, with a smooth blade on it will work well, keep the angle low as to not gouge the mating surface of the block
carbide tip scrapers also work but more labor

 

[charliemeyer007]

A long handled razor blade scraper - be careful not to dig into the block.

https://www.harborfreight.com/professional-scraper-57099.html

 

[Pighead]

I bought a special tool, works on head gaskets too

 

[3_puppies]

I bought a special tool, works on head gaskets too

View attachment 4099598

that is a carbide tip scraper, they work nice but will gouge softer metals

 

[Mark Jennings]

Maybe a Heat Gun, I’ve use my $30 Wagner to help remove gaskets, soften ups any adhesives and works well with a putty knife.

 

[ryanwk628]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I was worried about digging into the block surface being too aggressive so I’m glad I asked. The mini hacksaw with the scraper blade was too unwieldy, but this blade on the oscillating multi tool worked great!

Thanks again!

 

[rlong]

I like that idea! I used my multi tool with Milwaukee scraper on some stuck flooring adhesive and was impressed, (in that case avoiding digging into the wood similar to avoiding damaging the mating surface). I’ll have to try this next time I encounter a petrified gasket!