How to clean off old smoker gunk to get smoker gasket to stick?

[MrMeat]

I have a WSM and I thought I cleaned it really well before I put on my smoker gasket (either lavalock of FireBlack). But a couple years later, the lid gasket keeps sticking to the lid, and often partially falling into smoker. I need to put a new gasket on (FireBlack) but I don't know how to get off the old carbon and smoker gunk, so it will stick.

I have a FireBlack self-stick gasket, but would adding an adhesive help or would that just be too much adhesive for the job?

[Frozen Smoke]

A little degreaser and a pressure washer?

[FireMan]

Or you could try Old Smoker Gunk Remover. It’s available somewhere near you.

[MrMeat]

A little degreaser and a pressure washer?

I have tried Simple Green, but that isn't effective enough. I didn't want to use over cleaner (not that you are suggesting that), because I am too worried about the toxic chemicals and residue.

[MrMeat]

Or you could try Old Smoker Gunk Remover. It’s available somewhere near you.

I did a Google search for "Old Smoker Gunk Remover" and nothing came up.

[CurlingDog]

I used a fine wire wheel in my drill to rough up the tough spots where you can reach them. Wipe down with water and Dawn D/W liquid and dry with toweling. You should be good to go. Latch it up tight and let it cure. This worked for me.

[Jerod Broussard]

I scrape then finish up with Acetone and let air dry.

[MrMeat]

I scrape then finish up with Acetone and let air dry.

Will the acetone leave anything after it is done?

[Jerod Broussard]

Not enough to affect the adhesion of the gasket.

[MrMeat]

I just ordered some Dawn Power Dissolver, to see how that works. I will probably have to use a wire wheel and maybe acetone if it won't turn the whites of my eyes, green.

It is a problem I have been trying to figure out for a couple months now, while I deal with the seal falling into the smoker.

[Ahumadora]

Acetone won't leave much residue (it is used as nail polish remover). Or you can you a disc grinder with a 40 grit flap to rip it off. Some old baked on carbon can be as hard as steel.

[OSB]

Maybe a razor scraper.

http://weberkettleclub.com/weber-grill-restoration-interior-and-exterior-kettle-cleaning/

[Troutman]

Just have that cow in your avatar licks things down real well and you'll be good to go

[MrMeat]

Acetone won't leave much residue (it is used as nail polish remover). Or you can you a disc grinder with a 40 grit flap to rip it off. Some old baked on carbon can be as hard as steel.

I think the sanding disc (it is just a thin Weber Smoky Mountain that I am working on) or disc grinder sounds like a good idea for whatever I can get off with the dawn cleaner and scraping. I am just worried about the acetone leaving some sort of residue, for flavor (and my wife health). Maybe the acetone is no issue at all, but I just need to look into it first.

[MrMeat]

Just have that cow in your avatar licks things down real well and you'll be good to go

[FireMan]

I think ya just might have ta add some moisture, looks pretty dry to me.

[bten]

Or try some rubbing alcohol. Both the acetone and the alcohol will totally evaporate if you leave it in the sun for 15 min.