Removing gasket cement from inside of toilet tank - how?

[newbury]

Looks like the previous owner put gasket cement on the toilet to tank bolts on the inside of the Toto tank. I've 4 tanks to do. I don't want to chip the tank. Any recommended solvent that will take it off?
I need to get a good seal on the connection.

 

[ponytug]

Why do you need to do four tanks, and what is the goal? Do they all leak?

I think of gasket cement in the context of boilers and wood fired stoves.

Are we talking about here? Does it look like JB Weld, silicone, plumbers putty, cement?

A little more detail, and even a photo could help.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Torvy]

Roughly $480 to get 4 replacement tanks...for me, my aggravation would be worth right about that much.

Turn the existing ones into planters.

 

[newbury]

1.Why do you need to do four tanks, and what is the goal? Do they all leak?

2.I think of gasket cement in the context of boilers and wood fired stoves.

Are we talking about here? Does it look like JB Weld, silicone, plumbers putty, cement?

A little more detail, and even a photo could help.

All the best,

Peter

1. Four toilets, all put in about the same time and I suspect by the same person with the same methods.
2. It looked like a wad of black sealant. Like I've put on wood stoves.

 

[newbury]

Roughly $480 to get 4 replacement tanks...for me, my aggravation would be worth right about that much.

Turn the existing ones into planters.

The only advantage of a replacement tank would be it's clean. If I find a solvent that would work it should be quick.
I don't need to spend $480 for planters, I could use it to buy tractor parts.

 

[CalG]

Wire brush on a drill motor!

They come in a variety of sizes and confidurations

 

[newbury]

Wire brush on a drill motor!

They come in a variety of sizes and confidurations

Yeah, that may be the next step. I just was trying to limit it to solvents, elbow grease and copper pads.
Power tools raise the possibility of porcelain breakage.

 

[CalG]

That toilet tank is tuff! Just don't bang it.

If solvents worked, (approved and available ones that is) then they would not serve as "all purpose sealants".

Those brushes come in all grades of wire size.

Weiler is a useful reference

Weiler 1" Crimped Wire End Brush .006" Stainless Steel Fill 1/4" Stem 36285 | Zoro

Order Weiler 1" Crimped Wire End Brush .006" Stainless Steel Fill 1/4" Stem, 36285 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.googleadservices.com

 

[mikester]

Roughly $480 to get 4 replacement tanks...for me, my aggravation would be worth right about that much.

Turn the existing ones into planters.

American Standard Reliant 12 in. Rough In 2-Piece 1.28 GPF Single Flush Round Toilet with Slow Close Seat in White 726DA101.020 - The Home Depot

Give functionality and style to your restroom by adding this American Standard Reliant 2-piece Single Flush Round Toilet in White with Slow Close Seat.

www.homedepot.com

$119 for a brand new toilet - why replace parts when you can get everything new?

 

[newbury]

American Standard Reliant 12 in. Rough In 2-Piece 1.28 GPF Single Flush Round Toilet with Slow Close Seat in White 726DA101.020 - The Home Depot

Give functionality and style to your restroom by adding this American Standard Reliant 2-piece Single Flush Round Toilet in White with Slow Close Seat.

www.homedepot.com

$119 for a brand new toilet - why replace parts when you can get everything new?

Because the
toilet is a Toto elongated.
IF a little spray of brake cleaner, or ether, or vinegar or something else would do it it would be a lot cheaper and easier.
Apparently the TBN knowledge base hasn't kicked in yet.