Well after putting this off for as long as I can I am now going to put the timing Gears/Chain back together. Have replaced the oil pump too. My question is what to do to remove the old gaskets that are on the aluminum cover. I know it says to use a 'plastic' scraper to minimize the chance of knicking the cover, but this gasket is really stuck on there. Do you think soaking it in degreaser would help ?
I have the "0" ring and a gasket the shape of the oil pick up tube....which is better to use or should I use BOTH?? Thanks for any input. I looked in the Rave manual but there is only mention of a "Plastic Scraper" so please don't answer me with Look in the Rave. Thanks

 

Solvent of some sort, but degreaser won't cut it. Main thing you are trying to do is not scrape the soft aluminum. So can't use 60 grit sandpaper, file, metal putty knife, etc. The refinishing department of most home improvement stores have some pretty sharp plastic putty knives.

 

Try SeaFoam Deep Creep. It has worked wonders for getting some tough stuff unstuck for me, it works pretty fast too.

 

A couple of applications of gasket remover generally does the trick. Most of it will pull right off then after another application a microfiber towel and a little elbow grease will generally get the rest.

 

I actually loaded the parts in a plastic bag, put them in the MBenz trunk and went to the car wash and did a high pressure cleaning. most of the pieces cam off but a few stubborn ones needed some help. Looks good no scrapes so today is all done....tomorrow is another day and with luck I can finish the job tomorrow.