Cleaning case w/ Scotchbrite
 

So, I'm about the re-resume my engine build, and I come across this thread:
Scotchbrite will cause your engine to blow up, etc.
and I became really, really, really frustrated. Have the rules changed again?!

For YEARS on this board people have been discussing cleaning their cases with Scotchbrite, and no one says "BOO." I think Wayne's book even talks about it, and that was written in consultation with numerous, reputable engine builders, no?. Now it's taboo. I get that there is a greater chance that something will remain in an oil passage, but I thought we all recognized that satellite assembly area clean rooms were not necessary either. Wasn't spraying out the oil passages with compressed air and carb cleaner enough (yes, I know certain types of media blasting is disasterous, but I'm not talking about that here). Cleanliness is of the utmost importance, which I get, but it seems like the rules have changed since I last checked.

I was ready to start assembly, and now I'm feeling very discouraged. Is Scotchbrite ok, or not? I've used it, so that ship has already sailed...

the key is the clean-up of the case afterward, with ANY cleaning method. as a last step before putting the case on the stand for final sanitizing, I like to use a pressure washer with HOT water. due to the case shape, you'll get VERY wet. but I've found this cleans out pretty much everything. using the fine jet tip in the oil passages works well. immediately after washing I blow out everything thoroughly.

FWIW I used scotchbrite on my case for the tough dirty bits, and after cleaning, I have absolutely no concerns.

I've only built 3 motors but I used scotchbright on all 3 and no problems yet...

JMHO,.....but I'll not use Scotchbrite for cleaning engine cases as its FAR too risky, even with shop-type parts cleaning machines. The effects show up later.

I use it for deglazing Nikasil cylinders. :)

Thank you for replying, Steve. Obviously, your opinion is valued.

I found it surprising/troubling that the concern was only mentioned in that post and nowhere else. I researched the topic pretty thoroughly, I thought. No doubt, not using Scotchbrite is the lowest risk option. However, I'm stuck with having already used it. :( Has there ever been a reported failure due to Scotchbrite material?

In my industry, yes. Its well documented among professional engine builders both domestic and foreign.

It shows up in damaged bearings & crankshafts, inside oil passages, and in some cases, damaged cylinder walls. The carborundum abrasive material sluffs off the pads or strips and finds its way everywhere.

Scotchbrite is an excellent product, but not for this application.

Quick google found this...
Scotchbrite.....NEVER!!

Good enough for you? They actually test the oil... and if its in there... they deny warranty replacement.

http://www.goodwrench.com/_res/pdf/EnginePdf/Engine%20General%20Installation%20Procedures.pdf

I'm going to get the case cleaned...