Air compressor did not have a water air separator. My plan was to disconnect the manifold (regulator, pair of outlets, tank and regulator pressure gauges, safety valve) from the tank and plumb the separator in between the tank and the manifold. The fitting in the manifold had nothing to put a wrench on but was a 90, upon attempting to remove it things went sideways. It was apparently very soft metal as it twisted off with little torque. I proceeded to cut a slot in the remaining part and heat it to remove it but even it sheered off at the bottom of the slot I cut. Fast forward and i now own a 1/4 NPT tap and have drilled and tapped the manifold for a new fitting. Given that all of this has taken place before the regulator, how much effort do I need to put into removing shavings before reassembly? I have removed the tank pressure gauge, safety valve and a plug and have gotten the loose debris out but intend to wire brush as much as i can as well. Should i try to flush it out with water or a solvent? Don't really want to remove the regulator and other fittings if i don't have to.