Cylinder base gasket removal.

[Oldbuthopeful]

Way back in June last year, andy_c asked if anyone had any advice on removing a cylinder base gasket but nobody seems to have offered a solution.
I've got the same problem on my 350/4 - it's as though the gasket is part of the block, it's so hard and difficult to remove.
I suppose it's been baked on.
I'm tempted to leave it in place, but would kick myself for not having tried to get it off if there were any leaks after I'd got it all back together.  I've tried a really sharp chisel, but it's ball-achingly slow and there's the risk of scoring the base of the barrel.
Can anybody help please ?

[Bryanj]

In a parrafin bath with a Stanley blade plus lots of time and effort! Sorry mate.

Snap on used to sell an air operated gasket scraper, which i have one of, but it was dear for a one off job and needs a compressor!!

[Oldbuthopeful]

Thanks for that Bryanj.  Looks like I'll just have to knuckle down to it then !

[mickwinf]

It is a slow job, i found a stanley blade held almost flat and wiggling back and forth was the best method, but takes ages!

[totty]

I use one of these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Razor-Edge-Scraper-Blades/dp/B0001IW65I

Easier on the hands than just a blade, plus these blades have some flex. They're great on steel but you have to be very careful on alloy.

[Oldbuthopeful]

Thanks Totty!  I've just ordered one on your recommendation. It looks the business.  I suppose an alternative might be a window scraper with a trapezium(?) shaped blade in, but not so easy to get between the skirts.

You've obviously had the same problem Mickwinf - thanks for the suggestion though.