stubborn exhaust manifold gaskets Options

[87m491]

Finally swapping in SS heater boxes I acquired years ago and I can't budge the existing manifold gaskets. I have read and tried a few options, trying to leverage a pick under and edge and walk it out, no luck., the gasket is very tight against the engine. Trying to lever a screwdriver head against and gasket edge and the head to deform the gasket a touch except that my head's fin started to deform before the gasket! Any other tricks before I give up and just try reusing the gaskets that won't seem to come out?
Thx
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-14731-1708433712.1.jpg)

[technicalninja]

Sounds like someone may have applied some sealant when they installed those and they baked the copper rings on real good. Or those suckers have just been on there forever. Applying some heat to the rings could help. I would try to work a pick around the entire edge of the copper rings (delicately and then more forcefully with each full rotation) before applying heat.

Indeed. I took a smallish flat head screwdriver and reformed the last 1/4 inch at a 90 degree angle and could not get under the gasket. I used a cold chisel to cut/deform the gasket, which they did, see copper colored areas in the picture, but still absolutely no opening to lever/pull against. Then tried propane always fun 12 inches from your face. Absolutely won't budge. I reinstalled the heat exchangers and will revisit next fall when I drop the engine to reseal it and can attack from a better angle.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-14731-1708892176.1.jpg)

That one is toast now!

If you run that the groove will allow a 1000+ degree leak that will eat the head casting...

That needs to be replace now IMO.