Pentair Spider Gasket Nightmare

[port1]

Folks:
Is there any secret to removing the old gasket from a Pentair MPV? I've been trying for hours, and only remove tiny pieces with each attempt. I'm about ready to give up, and I don't want to damage the plastic channels that the gasket is installed in. I've already made a scratch to the area above the gasket when my small scraping screwdriver slipped! This is crazy!!
I've seen other forum members have similar issues, one in particular stating removal of the gasket "has been exhausting". Any advice would be appreciated. There has to be a simpler way to do this.
Thanks!

 

[JamesW]

Sometimes it's just easier to replace the whole multiport.

 

[port1]

I surrendered to the multi-port gasket! Too brutal to remove the whole thing. I just purchased a new multi-port and will install today on the D.E. filter, getting ready to open the pool soon. I thought it would be easy to replace that spider gasket.

 

[JamesW]

Sometimes they come out and sometimes they don't.

 

[sktn77a]

And often, when you replace the gasket, they still leak!

 

[port1]

And often, when you replace the gasket, they still leak!

I'm glad I surrendered to that MPV....I have a new one now and it's a pleasure to use. Vacuumed to waste today, then backwash and rinse....I wish you could have seen the smile on my face! Sometimes it doesn't pay to restore old parts and components.