Cleaning carb bodies...

BayArchitect · Post by **BayArchitect** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 3:01 pm

The carbs are off the bike and the carb tops and float bowls have been removed and polished. The carb bodies have some discoloration on them that will not brighten up with aerosol spray. I could renew the original finish very nicely with the blaster, using walnut shell media, however, the dust will find it's way into every orifice. I have an ultrasonic cleaner large enough to contain the carbs, but I'm not sure this is a good idea, nor what chemical solution would be best to avoid etching the bodies or changing the diameter of the slow jets, which are pressed in. I could wash the carb bodies in the dishwasher, but the concerns remain. Before I go foward, please give me your thoughts....
Regards,
Leon Summers

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 3:40 pm

In previous discussions, Berrymans products have been recommended. Having listened, I tried these products with good results.
Ultrasonic cleaners are excellent but ensure you use a solution that is non flammable & OK for aluminum/zinc alloys......

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 8:34 pm

I lightly used a very fine Scotchbrite pad on the exterior of my crusty '79 carbs. Along with a little carb cleaner (and a couple of hours of labor), it made them look great.

daves79x · Post by **daves79x** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 6:25 am

Leon:
You can put them in the dishwasher and run them on the 'pots & pans' setting. Just make sure you have lots of compressed air available to thoroughly blow them out after. You can pull the pressed-in jets also before you do that.

Dave

Randakk · Post by **Randakk** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 8:09 am

I've used every method ever devised for cleaning carb bodies.

Ultrasonic is fine. So is an automatic dishwasher. Be aware that if you use the dishwasher, your wife will probably notice the lingering smell for several days. So, you might want to ask for "permission" first.

A very good and safe method of cleaning carb bodies is to boil gently in a large pot of distilled water. You can do this outside on the BBQ grill so there's no grief from the spouse. Buy a "dedicated" pot for carb boiling so you will have absolutely no domestic strife.

This method is very helpful in softening up the fuel varnish that typically blocks the pressed in idle jets and makes them much easier to clear with a probe (per Mike Nixon's method).

More here: http://www.randakks.com/TechTips.htm#52

Good luck!

dan1995 · Post by **dan1995** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 8:40 am

great idea randall