I've recently discovered the 3M Roloc bristle disc and it works wonders on cleaning up stuck on gaskets, etc. This got me thinking, would this be too abrasive to deglaze irons and housings before assembly? Does anyone know if its abrasive enough to eat through the nitride or chrome surfaces?

Thanks!

 

I've used the green pads for cleaning up around the irons where the coolant seals go, I'm sure the bristle discs would be ok for that too, just don't go too crazy with it.

Matt

 

I'm very familiar with and love using the (green) Roloc bristles for cleaning the oil pan sealing surface on the pan and engine side. I've also used it carefully to clean the sides of the rotor housings to help get rid of excessive coolant build up from old original engines. Having said that, I don't think it's a good idea to use on the sealing surfaces of the irons or rotor housings and don't recommend it.

My opinion:

On rotor housing/apex seal surfaces, brake cleaner & shop towels should be sufficient. Anything worse and the housing should be professionally resurfaced or used as a core/paperweight.

On the sides of the irons, again brake cleaner & shop towels, a razor blade, and if needed a little very fine grit sandpaper and water for a gentle 'wet sanding effect.'

Anything harsher and you're doing more harm than good. Best not to **** around too much with engine internals

 

Thanks for the responses!

My thinking was that when you install new piston rings in an engine, you always do a deglaze to help wear-in or seat the new seals. To me it seems that should also be done for new side/corner/apex seals. Basically, can you deglaze or scuff up the irons and housings sufficiently for new seals without eating through all the hardened surface? I've heard of some guys doing some sort of wet-sanding to deglaze and the 3M Roloc discs seemed like a possibly gentler alternative.

 

if they made roloc discs in a 12 inch diameter that you could but on a DA orbital then i would say go for it.

But the little 3" discs shouldn't be used to rough up a surface that should have a precise flatness or bore size.

You are better off getting some lapping compound and rubbing 2 irons together that trying to use a small roloc disc.

 

i have used them on the surfaces that seal, like water seals, front cover gaskets, etc, and it works well. you do need to be a little careful that you're not overdoing it