Gasket Problem

[48lesco]

Scrape carefully with a razor blade, just don't gouge the surface in a direction that would cause a leak. PB Blaster or WD-40 is good for softening old gasket material that is really baked-on. I use red Scotchbrite and Blaster for a final cleaning. Silicone spray is good to loosen up old Hondabond or RTV if someone did that to you.

[conbs]

NAPA makes a gasket remover in a spray can. It works great for removing all that stubborn gasket material.

[nowhere]

I think that I have gotten it all off. There is nothing but bare metal all away around.
I used a large putty knife just like Goodysnap suggested. It took a little elbow grease, but it worked great!

Whats the verdict?

[Goodysnap]

Looks pretty good. I see some gouges in the cover where it looks like someone pried the cover off. Make sure that surface is flat. Sand it smooth with emery cloth or sand paper if there is any high spots. You might put a dab of sealer at that location or fill the gouge with JB weld and sand it flat.