[crazypj]

After 50+ yrs of working on engines I still haven't found an easy way to remove gaskets from aluminium surfaces.
For years I used an old 5/8" wood chisel, (still have it but it's looking a bit beat up now and blade is down to about 2-1/4" long from original 4"~5" )
I've bought various gasket removing tools and spray cans but still haven't found anything to beat the hard work of scraping gaskets. Tried 3M Rolock, didn't like it much on alloy but great on any cast iron parts.
Tried 'Scotchbrite' pads and wheels, same results.
Any 'easy' method is liable to cause more damage than the scratches you'll get from hand scraping, particularly if you use any power tools

 

[crazypj]

Major alert on OLD gaskets (pre-1977, maybe newer?) THEY CONTAIN ASBESTOS.
Cutting them off in strips is relatively safe as is paint stripper (never had much luck with it though and 'sanding' surface to remove gloss is a VERY BAD IDEA