Sight glass gasket removal

Ozmat

What is the proper way to remove the now rock hard rubber gasket from the nut that the sight glass inserts into. Can I through it my oven on a self clean cycle, stink up the house, make the wife angry, and distort the nuts? Use a propane torch? Soak it in carburetor cleane? Gasoline? Or, is there a better option?

ChrisJ

I don't do this much so I'd bet someone on here has a much easier faster way.

But, the way I'd go about it is put on some glasses and use the smallest flathead screwdriver you've got and pry / bust them out. They will likely crumble pretty good once you push them far enough.

neilc

nuts are inexpensive,
nuts, washers, and gaskets,

JUGHNE

I try to soften them up with WD-40 or such.
Then I have found that an angled dental pick helps to dig out.

Ozmat

Thanks for the comments. The nuts are only 60 years old and in good shape, so I think I will try to reuse them. I will let you know what happens. Thanks again.

Ozmat

I ended up using a propane torch, gently, to remove the old gasket. Sandblasted the nuts and cleaned them up. Re-installed .
Thanks again all for the information.

STEVEusaPA

I usually start out super gentle, the glass breaks, then it all comes out easy…lol