kdoublep

iTrader: (1)

I am changing water pump in 1998 Trans Am. Pump is out. How clean do I have to get the old gaskets off the block for prepping for new gaskets?

Any tips/recommendations on how to get it very clean without hurting mounting surface? Razor blade and lubricant? Dremmel with small wire brush? Bazooka?

It's a pain in the a!@!

Thanks.

9000th01ss

iTrader: (10)

I use a stainless steel wire brush about the size of a tooth brush.

BlueMagicSS

iTrader: (4)

use a scraper... should come right off...

eseibel67

iTrader: (10)

^ Yes, flat scraper wil do a perfect job without scratching the block.

LS199CAMAROZ28

iTrader: (32)

razor scraper

waynehartwig

Ditto on the scraper...

Then soak the new gasket in WD40 before putting it on - never stick again!

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Buy new ones, they're too cheap not to. They are crush type gaskets, you should use new ones to get a good seal.

waynehartwig

Damn LS motors... Nevermind what I said then.. I thought it was a traditional paper style gasket! ...Seems I still have lots to learn.

eseibel67

iTrader: (10)

98's used paper gaskets. Later ones use the rubber/metal type.

waynehartwig

The more I learn about the LSx motors, the more I like them. But you just about gotta throw everything you already know about how GM has been doing things for the last 100 years out the window.

kdoublep

iTrader: (1)

I have been scraping it with a razor blade and it is taking forever and I can't feeel my thumbs.

Almost done.

kdoublep

iTrader: (1)

I have the new ones. I am just trying to clean the old ones off the block prior to pump install.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

I have the Aluminum ones, they come off easy.

Mr Incredible

I used a paint remover wheel. I can't remember a gasket that was more obnoxious. I stuffed a rag into the water hole first, though.

kdoublep

iTrader: (1)

Mine is a 98 and it is the metal type. Thanks for all the replies.