Cleaning contact breaker cover #1

[whynot2]

I should have been working on this sooner, but.. I'm reassembling my 1980 SG engine and my breaker covers have gaskets glued on that are 38 years old (DOM 9/79), and I don't know to get them clean. Any suggestions? Some quick soak would be good.
Thanks,
whynot2

 

[5twins]

Yes, use paint stripper. It usually takes a couple applications to soften and get through the whole gasket. Coat it and let it soak for 10 minutes or so .....

Then gently scrape off the upper layer that has been softened .....

Apply again and let soak, and this application usually gets most of the rest off mostly intact .....

A few dabs on the remaining bits will finish the job. For scraping, I use mostly old small knives. They work very well, allowing you to "carve" the softened portion of gasket off without going too deep and gouging the metal.

 

[whynot2]

Thanks 5twins.
Saturday I bought some Super Stripper. Since I have new seals I just submerged the breaker covers in the stripper and let them sit for over an hour. The gaskets fell off when touched with a knife. No scraping. Nasty stuff to dispose of though.
Thanks again 5twins