Removing gaskets?

[SteveD2]

I've just spent the last HOUR removing the 30 year old gasket on one of the parts of my boat's outboard. I've got 3 more peices to go of similar size. Is there an easy way to get the gaskets off? The peices are aluminum, so they're easy to gouge. I've been using a razor blade, but it dulls fast. I know they make gasket remover spray, but one side of these peices is painted, and I don't want to remove the paint.

Any ideas?

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

Acetone and a good gasket scraper.Ive never gouged aluminum with this method.

 

[Sparkman]

I use a single edged razor blade in a window scraper handle. Once it is scraped I clean it with acetone and may clean up a little with some 600 grit sandpaper. I always clean with acetone right before assembly as well.