sump gasket on the engine getting it off safely

[trainman 0]

I have a 11 hp Briggs & Stratton Vertical engine that was in my wh 211-5 I pulled the bottom sump cover off took me forever getting off the 27 year old gasket off. Now I don't plan and rebuilding the engine due to I don't know how to. I still have that nasty gasket still stuck to the bottom on the engine. I tried a scraper and it isn't budging any suggestions on what to use on it to either loosen the gasket or remove it so it doesn't fall into the engine case? Also what is the safest way to get the oil seal out of the middle of the sump cover without damaging the aluminum pan?

[Kelly 1,033]

I use a razor blade to clean them off, when I can't be messy, but still stuff a towel in the block to keep pieces out, as for the seal you have the pan off so just punch it out from the back with a screw driver, should come right out.

[trainman 0]

Worked great thanks!