Ways to prep a surface before new gasket?

N54Society · 12-12-2018, 11:30 AM

I'm doing the VC, OFHG, and just did the transmission oil pan/filter. I tried using brake cleaner to clean the surface before installing the new gasket + transmission pan but honestly, I'm really not impressed with the stuff.

Any suggestions on a sanding block that isn't harsh to the surface but will remove residual from the gasket? I just want it to shine but I can't get rid of some of the lines left from the shape of the gasket. I don't want to mar it or make it uneven for obvious reasons.

Would a scotch brite work?

Thanks

robthewrench · 12-12-2018, 01:01 PM

Yes a scotch brite will work, but start with a less aggressive one. Just like sandpaper scotch brite comes in grades of coarseness. Start with one that is scratch free and use it in combination with either brake cleaner or another petroleum based solvent. You can then move to ones that are coarser if that is not working. I also find a plastic putty knife works well until the edge gets too dull.

CTinline-six · 12-12-2018, 01:32 PM

+1 on the less aggressive scotch brite. I also have some of those plastic razor blades from amazon that work really well for scraping gaskets.

N54Society · 12-12-2018, 02:07 PM

Thanks guys!

nissubaru · 12-12-2018, 02:24 PM

I'll probably use something like this when I do all my gaskets

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-4-...raper-set.html

desertman123 · 12-12-2018, 02:26 PM

I usually just use paper towel, brake cleaner and a plastic razor

12-12-2018, 11:30 AM	#1
N54Society Major Private First Class 449 Rep 1,327 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 335i M Sport Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: US, NA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy iTrader: (2)	Ways to prep a surface before new gasket? I'm doing the VC, OFHG, and just did the transmission oil pan/filter. I tried using brake cleaner to clean the surface before installing the new gasket + transmission pan but honestly, I'm really not impressed with the stuff. Any suggestions on a sanding block that isn't harsh to the surface but will remove residual from the gasket? I just want it to shine but I can't get rid of some of the lines left from the shape of the gasket. I don't want to mar it or make it uneven for obvious reasons. Would a scotch brite work? Thanks __________________ 2008 E92 335i 6MT: FBO + MMP Silicone Inlets \| Stage 1 LPFP \| 335is clutch + MFactory SMFW \| Custom BuraQ + MHD tune \| 3.5Bar N20 sensor [SOLD] 2010 E90 335i M-Sport AT: 5" Stepped FMIC, Stage 2 LPFP - MHD V7 E60 Tune running 100% E85 - VRSF DPs
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12-12-2018, 01:01 PM	#2
robthewrench Captain 266 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 11 E90 335i Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Columbus OH iTrader: (0)	Yes a scotch brite will work, but start with a less aggressive one. Just like sandpaper scotch brite comes in grades of coarseness. Start with one that is scratch free and use it in combination with either brake cleaner or another petroleum based solvent. You can then move to ones that are coarser if that is not working. I also find a plastic putty knife works well until the edge gets too dull. __________________ bone stock
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12-12-2018, 01:32 PM	#3
CTinline-six Hoonigan 6840 Rep 3,000 Posts Drives: '09 328i, '98 Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 328i N51 [0.00]	+1 on the less aggressive scotch brite. I also have some of those plastic razor blades from amazon that work really well for scraping gaskets. __________________ "Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." -Dr. Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park
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12-12-2018, 02:07 PM	#4
N54Society Major Private First Class 449 Rep 1,327 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 335i M Sport Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: US, NA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy iTrader: (2)	Thanks guys! __________________ 2008 E92 335i 6MT: FBO + MMP Silicone Inlets \| Stage 1 LPFP \| 335is clutch + MFactory SMFW \| Custom BuraQ + MHD tune \| 3.5Bar N20 sensor [SOLD] 2010 E90 335i M-Sport AT: 5" Stepped FMIC, Stage 2 LPFP - MHD V7 E60 Tune running 100% E85 - VRSF DPs
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12-12-2018, 02:24 PM	#5
nissubaru Lieutenant 233 Rep 564 Posts Drives: 09 335i MSport + 1990 300ZX TT Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	I'll probably use something like this when I do all my gaskets https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-4-...raper-set.html
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12-12-2018, 02:26 PM	#6
desertman123 E82 Mudflap Ambassador 2214 Rep 2,219 Posts Drives: '08 128i Join Date: May 2016 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1992 Honda Beat [9.50] 2008 BMW 128i [10.00] 2014 BMW 528i [10.00]	I usually just use paper towel, brake cleaner and a plastic razor __________________ My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me! Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito
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