Any new tricks to remove the gasket from pan?

[GarageBound]

Did a quick search, but maybe a targeted question might prove more fruitful.

My past experience is with cast iron and steel parts, but now as I am into BMWs, I have aluminum. So, what ar the latest or tried & true ways to remove a Victor Reinz gasket from the aluminum oil pan (lower piece, M42)?

[roguetoaster]

No real tricks to it, using a gasket scraper, or a razor blade if you are careful, just scrape the gasket off. Don't dig in to the aluminum, and mind your angle of attack. If you do gouge the surface just make sure there are no significant ridges and apply a tiny bit of RTV to that area on reassembly.

[zaq123]

No real tricks to it, using a gasket scraper, or a razor blade if you are careful, just scrape the gasket off. Don't dig in to the aluminum, and mind your angle of attack. If you do gouge the surface just make sure there are no significant ridges and apply a tiny bit of RTV to that area on reassembly.

what he said. Be careful to to gouge the aluminium. Once gasket removed, run a sandpaper a few times to shave down any hight spots if you did scratch the surface, wash the pan real good to remove all crap and reinstall. I would personally use Permatex high tack gasket sealant on the gasket instead of RTV but it's my preference.

[GarageBound]

This worked so well that I would call it a trick moving forward. Goof off & a razor blade scraper.

[twright]

Wow: That does look nice. How long did it take?

[GarageBound]

Work time ~ 50 minutes: My son spent about 30 minutes shaving the bulk of the gasket off and I spent maybe 20 minutes getting the remaining fragments and adhesive off and final cleaning.