What Gasket Remover Works Best for Silicone?

[BHopkins]

The upper front timing covers on the M276 engine in my E350 are overdue for resealing them. The covers are aluminum, and instead of a gasket, the covers are sealed with silicone sealant.

Since the covers are aluminum, I am looking for the best option to remove the old silicone sealant without damaging the covers. An online search suggests that the better liquid, or rather foaming gasket removers are Loctite 7200 or a Motorcraft product. It also mentioned a Permatex foaming gasket remover. And I also found a CRC gasket remover that is readily available at places like O'Reilly.

What product have you had the best luck with, for removing silicone gasket material on engine parts? I'm leaning towards the Loctite, but am totally open to being persuaded by what others here have learned.

 

[The Critic]

The MB silicone remover spray supposedly works like magic.

 

[BHopkins]

The MB silicone remover spray supposedly works like magic.

I saw that MB offers a gasket remover. On FCP Euro they say "Similar to Loctite 7200", which made me wonder if Loctite makes and labels it for MB. The can design looks identical.

 

[Hirev]

Plastic razor blades with a scraper tool

 

[BHopkins]

Plastic razor blades with a scraper tool

I've tried that method before, and have found out that it feels like an almost impossible task. I suppose I am not patient enough to use that method.

 

[Hirev]

I've tried that method before, and have found out that it feels like an almost impossible task. I suppose I am not patient enough to use that method.

Yes it does take time and patience but does not harm surfaces.

 

[oilboy123]

I use a sharp plastic scraper, or plastic razor blade and mineral spirits.

 

[paulo57509]

With and without sealant "troughs"; what's worked for me are single edged razor blades, carefully used at a shallow angle to remove the bulk, and green Scotchbrite pads to finish. And some elbow grease.

Removing Toyota FIPG; it cures kind of hard. No before images.

 

[D60]

You totally can use the Astro carbide scraper, just don't be dumb. You're not carving a wooden statue. If you manage to take a tiny bit of aluminum, RTV is going to easily fill that.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The Mahle gasket scraper tool is good

Mahle JV2

 

[BHopkins]

You totally can use the Astro carbide scraper, just don't be dumb. You're not carving a wooden statue. If you manage to take a tiny bit of aluminum, RTV is going to easily fill that.

The Mahle gasket scraper tool is good

Mahle JV2

Thanks for the recommendation for a carbide scraper. The sealing surface on the timing covers is fairly narrow, so I found a carbide scraper that has a 5/8" wide blade. That should work well on these parts.

 

[D60]

Thanks for the recommendation for a carbide scraper. The sealing surface on the timing covers is fairly narrow, so I found a carbide scraper that has a 5/8" wide blade. That should work well on these parts.

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At the risk of stating the obvious, pulling is safer than pushing, but either is acceptable if you use your brain.