Tried that, the gasket material hardened and caked on there after 12 years just doesn't flake away using the scraper. I'll try a screwdriver and lightly hitting it with a mallet. I'm just scared about nicking the block. Gonna feel good to be done after this one LOL. I had to do lim/vc gaskets back in february now this. I swear if this car needs another major repair in the next 6-12 months I'm taking it somewhere.