Carb cleaner

[LeRoy]

Hey all

I bought a carb off eBay recently to replace my Frankencarb. It was pretty grimy and rusty so I was thinking I might have to piece the 2 together to make 1. I was going to use this project as an excuse to buy an ultrasonic cleaner but I saw where someone used pinesol to clean their carb so I gave it a try. 

 

I disassembled it and soaked in 50/50 water pinesol mixture for about 24 hours. I was blown away by the results, a very light brushing with a toothbrush and it looked very nice. I blew carb cleaner through all the passages then soaked those pieces in the mixture another 24 hours. After rinsing everything in water, blowing air through everything, and a light coat of WD-40 I reassembled and it looks great. 

I had no idea that stuff would clean like that. 

 

 

 

[LeRoy]

[Sniper]

As we used to say in the Navy, it isn't clean if it doesn't smell like pine oil.  Just remember to replace the wife's stash before she finds out you used it.

[Doug&Deb]

That’s impressive! Great tip 

[Los_Control]

Have to admit it does a better job then I would expect.

[LeRoy]

11 minutes ago, Los_Control said:

Have to admit it does a better job then I would expect.

I was shocked at the results but I still think I need the ultrasonic cleaner ?. The outside dirt would be easy to access but the inside dirt hides in the corners. I even found a wasp in one of the deep passages.

Edited January 7, 2023 by LeRoy

[Los_Control]

Just thinking I may give the pinesol mix a try. I have a master cylinder that has been soaking in Berrymans carb cleaner for 3 days ....

I pulled it out today, did a very quick 30 second hone on the bore & it looks like it will be fine.

The reservoir has some crud in it yet, the old paint is flaking off .... Thinking the pinesol as a final rinse while I clean it ... see how it does.

Naturally after cleaned & painted would use Dot 3 brake fluid to rinse the bores before assembly.

 

I have never used the ultra sonic cleaner, They seem to do a pretty decent job though .... I have one on my personal want list.

Even they will not remove wasp from passages though  

[Marcel Backs]

wonder what that pine sol & water mix would do in an ultrasonic cleaner? It sure did a good job on it's own. Thanks for the tip! M

[Los_Control]

I will be honest & never owned a ultra sonic cleaner or used one.

 

I watch a youtube video every Sunday for a few years.

The mechanic is pretty knowledgeable & works on anything from Diesel back hoes to lawn mowers .... 1930 Dodge, Lots of variety. 

 

They use a ultra sonic cleaner & started out with the suggested cleaners, simple green, pinesol, vinegar  .... After a year he uses Berrymans carburetor cleaner in the new large ultra sonic cleaner. For car parts.

 

The original small cleaner he bought, he uses a simple household cleaner in it for things like jewelry or chrome pieces ...

 

Makes sense to me. A different product for different jobs.

 

 

 

[Bob Riding]

I bought a ultrasonic cleaner to do my carbs, bolts, etc. When buying the rebuild kit to do my Stromberg WW 2bbl from Mike's Carburetor Parts, I asked him what type of cleaner to use. He said they use Simple Green Aircraft version, because it doesn't discolor the pot metal castings. Tried it and it worked great.

[Sniper]

I used Simple Green, original green formula, the results are similar.  Not sure what the price difference might be, if any, but the green version is easier to find.

 

http://www.yourolddad.com/carb-rebuild

 

 

[Bob Riding]

17 hours ago, Sniper said:

I used Simple Green, original green formula, the results are similar.  Not sure what the price difference might be, if any, but the green version is easier to find.

 

http://www.yourolddad.com/carb-rebuild

 

 

Agreed. Nice tutorial!