how do you remove the cylinder base gasket without scratching the heck outta the mating surface? any easy tricks? I don't think it matters, but it's for a '93 LT80.

 

I use a razor blade.
Don't be afraid of messing up the surfaces, A few slight scratchs isn't going to hurt a thing. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

You can use a commercial gasket remover spray, but I don't think that's really necessary. Just go easy with a sharp scraper or razor blade, as LT80 said, and don't put any major gouges in the surface. If you want, LIGHTLY dress the new gasket with something like Loctite 515 gasket eliminator to seal any minor scratches.

 

thanks guys. i was wondering if there was a good solvent. when i did this on our old lt50, I put a big nick in the cvlinder and had to get a friend to mill it down a couple a thou. didn't want to make the same mistake again. what about using a thin layer of the gasket material you put between the cases (surebond?), can't quite recall the name,plus the gasket?

 

Sure, I think it's called Yamabond or Threebond, something like that.

 

If it came with a gasket, then I would put a fresh gasket back. If not, Yamabond or Hondabond will take care of it.

 

yep, it's threebond. 660r, You bet I'll put a new base gasket down, the threebond is in addition to the gasket, in case I scratch or nick the base.

 

I understand your thoughts.....but you can actually be creating a problem with the 3bond. It's another potential avenue for cylinder pressures too escape. The gasket should be made too conform too minor impurities in the metal. Maybe a really light coating would'nt hurt??

 

good point. maybe i should just make sure I don't nick the base. I'm sure if this was supposed to be done, they'd recommend doing it.

 

after scraping the majority of gasket with blade, I used some some brake cleaner and steel wool to get the residual off, and it worked great. had a rag stuffed inside crank area and vacuumed with shop-vac before removing rag, as steel wool tends to leave little fibers. clean as new.

hope this helps someone.