Scotchbrite or other scouring pads not to be used for any gasket cleaning
#1
Racer
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This is probably an obvious matter for most of the members here but as I've been trying to find proper methods for cleaning head gaskets etc I found out that Scotchbrite (or other those green etc scouring pads) are an absolutely no-no for any type of cleaning work near the engine.
Those pads contain aluminium oxide particles and when used that dust ends up in the engine oil and that will create a havoc in the bearings.
Wish I had known this before I cleaned that sump gasket with one of those green scouring pads - although it's possible that (some of) those "kitchen" type of scouring pads don't have any hardening material and are made of nylon etc?
Those pads contain aluminium oxide particles and when used that dust ends up in the engine oil and that will create a havoc in the bearings.
Wish I had known this before I cleaned that sump gasket with one of those green scouring pads - although it's possible that (some of) those "kitchen" type of scouring pads don't have any hardening material and are made of nylon etc?
Last edited by P9C; 11-15-2021 at 11:12 AM.
#2
Nordschleife Master
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My local automotive paint store stocks the blue 3m disks that r meant for aluminum. As with anything in a motor....Cleanliness is godliness.
#3
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If you have a steady hand, I like carbide scrapers, like this Lisle one. Price is very reasonable and USA made. You can easily gouge aluminum with carbide, so proceed with caution.
If you used scotchbrite to clean that sump surface, I imagine you would be fine assuming: you were doing this by hand and not with a power tool, you thoroughly cleaned the interior sump surfaces.
If you used scotchbrite to clean that sump surface, I imagine you would be fine assuming: you were doing this by hand and not with a power tool, you thoroughly cleaned the interior sump surfaces.
Last edited by sweet victory; 11-16-2021 at 03:07 AM.
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dougn (11-15-2021)
#4
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Back im 2005, I was a trainer for Cummins Diesel, we were seeing a high number of failure in ISX 15 liter inframe overhauls, result was techs cleaning bottom half of engine with 3m pads that would take out rods and main bearing within 1000 miles, any warranty work done by the techs was not allowed to use 3M pads. especially in oil cooler area.and front and rear housings, it was hard breaking techs habit of using the pads but warranty denial on a 45k overhaul hurts.
No matter how clean you thought you were after using, particle from the pad end up all over, not one gasket on that engine was paper type gasket, training techs that gaskets surface did not have to have a mirror finish to the surface was a hard habit to break.
No matter how clean you thought you were after using, particle from the pad end up all over, not one gasket on that engine was paper type gasket, training techs that gaskets surface did not have to have a mirror finish to the surface was a hard habit to break.
Last edited by JohnCA58; 11-15-2021 at 12:39 PM.
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dougn (11-15-2021)
#5
Race Car
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I use metal single ended razor blades. Hold it just right and it cuts off everything but the aluminum - including corrosion.
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#8
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Back im 2005, I was a trainer for Cummins Diesel, we were seeing a high number of failure in ISX 15 liter inframe overhauls, result was techs cleaning bottom half of engine with 3m pads that would take out rods and main bearing within 1000 miles, any warranty work done by the techs was not allowed to use 3M pads. especially in oil cooler area.and front and rear housings, it was hard breaking techs habit of using the pads but warranty denial on a 45k overhaul hurts.
No matter how clean you thought you were after using, particle from the pad end up all over, not one gasket on that engine was paper type gasket, training techs that gaskets surface did not have to have a mirror finish to the surface was a hard habit to break.
No matter how clean you thought you were after using, particle from the pad end up all over, not one gasket on that engine was paper type gasket, training techs that gaskets surface did not have to have a mirror finish to the surface was a hard habit to break.
To give the OP some peace of mind, those roloc wheels are a common die grinder attachment. You rubbing that sealing surface with a scouring pad over your finger is not going to engulf your workspace with debris like spinning a 2" wheel at 15,000rpm with some compressed air to help dispense that stuff everywhere.
Last edited by sweet victory; 11-16-2021 at 11:32 AM.
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allcool (10-24-2022)
#9
#10
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Thanks - yep - either that or a plastic scraper along with some proper chemicals to soften the carbon. Just beware - of course here lies another potential pit hole as on many Youtube videos some people are suggesting the use of some oven cleaners - luckily almost every time somebody points out that those contain sodium hydroxide (?) that eats aluminium.
So products like carb cleaner or Permatex gasket remover are worth trying?
So products like carb cleaner or Permatex gasket remover are worth trying?
Last edited by P9C; 11-16-2021 at 05:54 AM.
#11
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Was doing some research for cleaning materials and saw this thread. I think the blue and green pads are made with nylon and synthetic fibers. It's the red pads that have aluminum oxide in them that gets everywhere. The red ones are aggressive and fall apart as you use them. I don't see anything wrong with using the green ones except they may give light mild scratches similar to 600 grit sand paper. Blue ones I think are ultra safe they are food grade and don't even scratch pots and pans.
Also another good trick is goo gone and rag or magic eraser.
Also another good trick is goo gone and rag or magic eraser.
Last edited by 75Sixer; 10-24-2022 at 09:49 PM.