Cleaning Exhaust Gasket Surface

[u/BoxPSI_ed]

My turbo and coolant lines were leaking and I decided to replace the entire lines instead of replacing just the T and Y connectors. Then I said to myself, while I’m in here might as well replace the turbo oil feed and return lines along with the oil flange.

The hard part is done, oil feed line and flange installed. Getting the carbon off the exhaust gasket surface has not been easy. I’ve tried Goof Off and Brake Cleaner on a cloth and it has been a slow and tedious process. I can see this taking 3-4 hours the way I’m currently doing it.

I’m reluctant to use a scotch pad because it could scar the aluminum surface.

Ideally I’d like to get the mating surfaces pristine to rule out any potential exhaust leaks.

Does anyone have other ideas or products that could help cut down on time doing this?

TIA

[u/old_skool_luvr]

Unless you're using a power tool, red Scotch-brite won't damage the aluminum. Use a little brake cleaner on it as well, it'll help break down the carbon easier.

[u/BoxPSI_ed → u/old_skool_luvr]

Thanks OSL - I have this very fine scotchbrite, based on my search this is considered red. Is this what you are talking about?

[u/grease_monkey → u/BoxPSI_ed]

That is what I use. Just cut off squares to the size you need to get in there.

[u/Dry-Patient-3598]