removing old gaskets

[DemonIAm]

What is the best way to get the old, baked on gaskets off of the intake manifold? I need to get it clean, without scratching/gouging the mating surface.

[pdhaudio83]

i'd use some sand paper for the brunt of it, then when you get low, use some gasket removing spray... its like anti-adhesive. take your time.

[SpooledupRacing]

razor blade and a brass wire brush (hand brush)

brake cleaner to soften it up and if need be use a hand torch if u have one to heat the material up..

[TheMAN]

use this for steel parts.... such as the oil pan:
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/AttachmentsAndAccessories/Pages/AttachmentsDetail.aspx?pid=538

and this for aluminum parts (your intake):
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/AttachmentsAndAccessories/Pages/AttachmentsDetail.aspx?pid=511E

it makes a mess and you'll go through about 2-3 of these, but it will NOT harm your intake and with the time saved, it's worth the money! using anything else has the potential of creating low spots on the aluminum which will cause hard to trace leaks!

[DemonIAm]

Damn, you are THE MAN!!! That finishing pad made the aluminum surface shine like crazy. Looks like a fresh cut piece of aluminum!!