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carb cleaner

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NutmegCT

NutmegCT

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I want to clean my 1960 Solex 32 PAITA carb. I've spritzed the jets and passages with carb cleaner, then with pressurized air.

Is there a better way? Soak in a bucket of something?

Thanks.
Tom
 
Really depends on the dirt or varnish that is plugging them up, I'm leaning to getting a ultrasonic cleaner, I have a crock pot with a green cleaner, works on surface crud but doesn't get into the hard to reach places. I have some friends who are using the harbor freight, they say they are too small to put much in. A good sized one runs 400$ Tell ya just how deep I've been looking into one a 50$ a gal cleaning solution is nothing more than water, coloring, soap, sodium silicate aka water glass. Maybe Santa will bring one?
 
Used to buy the gallon cans of Gunk carb cleaner that came with a soaking basket. Smelled horrible ( to the wife ) but worked great. Haven't seen the stuff in a while, but have used paint thinner to some success.
 
Thanks gentlemen. There's just something great about the smell of carb cleaner in the morning ...

I'm going to try the "overnight in a bucket of gasoline" technique. In a small shed, no electricity, far far away from the house.

Tom
 
LarryK said:
Used to buy the gallon cans of Gunk carb cleaner that came with a soaking basket. Smelled horrible ( to the wife ) but worked great. Haven't seen the stuff in a while,
Click to expand...
I saw them in Wally-mart the other day.

If you can find it (my local NAPA used to carry it), the "Hydroseal" variety works much better, lasts longer, and doesn't smell nearly as bad. It has a liquid seal that floats on top of the cleaner, to help keep it from evaporating.

But be careful about getting it on your hands, as it will get under your fingernails and itch/burn like crazy. Also make sure that any parts you soak for more than just a minute or two go completely under the 'seal' layer, as otherwise it can cause electrolytic corrosion. And whatever you do, don't forget and leave a part inside! I managed to accidentally leave an aluminum solenoid bracket for an A-type OD in there, and it was totally ruined by the time I found it the next year.
https://www.autoparts2020.com/rsdev/part_group.jsp?PHPRJ_GROUP_ID=41055&cat=2
 
I use the gallon cans of B-12 with the parts baskets. I just soak em for 15 minutes or so, then soak in clean gas to clean off the B-12.
 
Disassembled, I've soaked them in pure undiluted Purple Power! When I say Purple Power, I don't mean the off brand stuff that claims to be the same. I use the commercial grade. Don't get it on your skin! Cleaned all the crud off of them, they came out looking like new. I don't remember the length of time they soaked, but it wasn't as long as I thought it would be. It's pretty powerful stuff. Rinse thoroughly in clear water. Worked for me. PJ


PS, Test it on a junk carb first for time. PJ
 
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