Kryptionite Holley Gaskets

[Michael H.]

Has anyone figured out an easy way to remove the black Holley bowl and metering body gaskets? These are the toughest gaskets I've ever run across. Nothing that I've used so far seems to have any affect on these things. I really don't wan't to plunk these parts into a serious carburetor bath as that would take the plating off. Thanks...

[Mike G.]

Re: Kryptionite Holley Gaskets

Mike: if you're talking about the original brown paper gaskets, I tried everything in my arsenal of solvents --all to no avail. Finally used a razor blade to surgically remove them -- would have Mike the dermatologist proud.

Hopefully some mad chemist out there has found the secret.

[Michael H.]

Re: Kryptionite Holley Gaskets

Thanks Mike. Actually, these are black but same general composit as the brown, I believe. Razor was going to be my last effort but I sure would like to save the nice original surface if possible.

The old originals from the 60's were cork (terrible) and I think the tan or brown came in some time in the 70's? Later replaced with black. I hear the latest gaskets are now red and no longer become part of the casting.

I still haven't been able to get the secondary metering body to separate from the main body.

[G B.]

Spray gasket remover

There is an industrial spray in a rattle can that will probably make the gasket soft eventually, but you won't find it at auto parts stores. Try a large industrial general supply house that stocks pipe fittings. Maybe oven cleaner will work too, but I haven't tried it.

A razor blade is a little too sharp for removal service. If you must resort to physical violence, I would use a tiny dull screwdriver.

The current Holley gasoline service gaskets are blue. However, Mr. Gasket still makes the hard brown type. They won't stick if you spray them with PAM cooking oil first. Personally, I prefer the lemon flavored version.

I don't care for the Buna-N rubber type gaskets. They'll work in a pinch though.

[Joe L.]

Re: Kryptionite Holley Gaskets

Michael-----

What I would do is this:

First, mask off the the adjoining areas of the casting as best you can with several layers of tape. Then, apply some Permatex gasket cleaning compound with a small brush to the gaskets. This stuff comes in a spray can, but you can spray some into a small container and brush it from there. This will usually soften most gasket types. It might take more than one application to get it all, though.

[Michael H.]

Re: Spray gasket remover

Thanks Jerry. Several good suggestions. I've been picking at these things with my fingernail for a week now and I no longer have any fingernails left. A soak in simple green seemed to soften it a bit but still doesn't break the bond to the bowl or body. Hope they attach the tiles to the shuttle with this stuff for it's next flight.

[Michael H.]

Re: Kryptionite Holley Gaskets

Thanks Joe, excellent idea. I've never used this cleaning compound but it will be on my shopping list for tomorrow. I suppose I could also apply it with q-tips.

[Joe L.]

Re: Kryptionite Holley Gaskets

Michael-----

Permatex #80646 is the gasket remover's part number.

[Michael H.]

Re: Kryptionite Holley Gaskets

Thanks Joe. Hopefully, someone stocks it here.

[Clem Z.]

it works that is what i used if i did not

dip the carb. these and the brown never leak that is why i like them better than the no stick blue or red for street machines

[george romano]

Paint stripper will take them right off. *NM*

[Michael H.]

Re: it works that is what i used if i did not

Think I'll try Georges paint stripper method. If it works well, I'll probably use the black again because they really do work well, Never had a leak with one.

This is a 4779 Holley. (I put the original 3247 in a box/storage years ago) I think the metering body gaskets are original as I've never had this carburetor apart. Just want to drop two jet sizes as these are pretty fat for street through mufflers but I sure like the way it runs compared to that old 3247. Thanks Clem

[Terry F.]

Re: Kryptionite Holley Gaskets

MEK will probably do it. I believe it stands for Methylethelketone. Nasty stuff and you can still find it in some auto places. Used to stip paint in the Air Force on planes, etc. Use it outside with a mask and don't touch the stuff. I remember having a gallon of the stuff a long time ago in a green surplus can. I was glad when it was all gone, I felt safer. Must of been full stregth. It was nasty but it would soften anything. It will not taken real carb plating off, at least I don't think it will : 0

Terry