Scotchbrite for engine parts

[Ali]

I read here recently (credit @Seadog maybe?) that red scotchbrite doesn’t make engine internals happy. Is this all scotchbrite, are certain types ok?

 

[Seadog]

I may have said that anything abrasive shouldn't be allowed near engine internals. Scotchbrite does shed abrasive.

 

[8ob]

Depends on your cleaning regime, running a boring bar and hone down a cylinder block is normal practice and leaves behind plenty of oily grit and iron filings , its the cleaning that matters.

Bob

 

[Misterg]

This is what (unused) maroon scotchbrite looks like under a microscope: (I think that the red bits are the abrasive)

 

[Ali]

I may have said that anything abrasive shouldn't be allowed near engine internals. Scotchbrite does shed abrasive.

It was something about the recipe for the red stuff embedding itself in the metal?

 

[premmington]

This is what (unused) maroon scotchbrite looks like under a microscope: (I think that the red bits are the abrasive)

View attachment 391800

Thats interesting -

 

[JOEPRO]

I use grey scotchpads along with my parts washer to clean off brake pistons etc. They do a great job of buffing off small scratches and corrosion and the parts washer also means no risk of abrasive left behind.

 

[Ali]

Sorry, here it is:

How I clean my machinery parts

Morning guys. Thought I would start a thread about how I clean my machinery parts and the tools involved. Some of you would of seen my shaper refurbishing on the forum. This is one part of the cube I am cleaning up so thought I'd share. Ok. First picture is the part in a tray. I use gunk to...

www.mig-welding.co.uk

Only thing to be aware of is that these pads contain fine grade aluminum oxide abrasive so shouldn't be used on engine/pump parts where the oxide could get left inside

It might even have been on this forum that I learnt this

So, it’s ok as long as it’s washed thoroughly?

@Seadog you commented avoiding machined surfaces - why is that if it doesn’t remove material?

 

[Misterg]

I use grey scotchpads along with my parts washer to clean off brake pistons etc. They do a great job of buffing off small scratches and corrosion and the parts washer also means no risk of abrasive left behind.

They've all got abrasive in (silicon carbide for the fine ones and aluminium oxide for the coarser ones ), so parts washer is definitely a good idea:

(Graphic from here , Table from here )

 

[Seadog]

Sorry, here it is:

How I clean my machinery parts

Morning guys. Thought I would start a thread about how I clean my machinery parts and the tools involved. Some of you would of seen my shaper refurbishing on the forum. This is one part of the cube I am cleaning up so thought I'd share. Ok. First picture is the part in a tray. I use gunk to...

www.mig-welding.co.uk

So, it’s ok as long as it’s washed thoroughly?

@Seadog you commented avoiding machined surfaces - why is that if it doesn’t remove material?

By definition, an abrasive, it's going to remove material. How much depends on how much time and force is used.

 

[JOEPRO]

They've all got abrasive in (silicon carbide for the fine ones and aluminium oxide for the coarser ones ), so parts washer is definitely a good idea:

View attachment 391807

View attachment 391808
(Graphic from here , Table from here )

Yes it has abrasive but very gentle cleaning hence why alot of people use it.

I feel little to no risk how I use it gently on parts and thoroughly cleaning them after.

 

[brightspark]

honing grinding machining and blasting whats the problem if properly cleaned after cast iron engine blocks being machined is an example , the only thing you have to watch out for is soft bearing materials where the abrasive can bed in and end up being a lap

 

[Turbo]

The mechanics on Wheeler Dealers use scotch pads to clean the cyl head surface when fitting cam cover gaskets, including Elvis, ex F1 mechanic!

 

[PhillipM]

So do I. So long as it's cleaned correctly before fitting I don't see the issue really. As with anything it's as much how you use them.

 

[bricol]

Just don't put it in a shipment of expensive machine bits to the USA and list it on the paperwork . . . one expensive shipment held up for a month while US customs questioned "scotchbrite, one pack" and then checked the answer . . .

I too use it, use it at work - no issues yet reported.

 

[pawsnizzy]

And don't use it on parts that you're going to weld

 

[Ali]

And don't use it on parts that you're going to weld

Why not? Even if cleaned with acetone afterward?

 

[AVI_8]

They’re good to get the RA up to a point whereby new piston rings will bed in on a used Nakasil cylinder. Most other methods of honing would destroy the Nikasil coating.

 

[pawsnizzy]

Why not? Even if cleaned with acetone afterward?

Probably wouldn't effect most of us, but it has caused havoc in aerospace, and is now totally banned from use on surfaces to be welded - and no, no solvent works for cleaning

 

[RIP]

The different colours of scotch Brite mean different things. The green one is described as non abrasive but i wouldn't risk it. Other colours are rated by grit.