TOPIC:

Going to be using an ultrasonic cleaner on some carbs and thought I would ask what solution anyone used in the past for carb cleaning or general ultrasonic cleaning, as I heard some chemicals actually enhance the sonic power.. even soapy water.

I did not want to strip the carbs completely, so was looking for something safe on rubber.

Carbs are not that bad actually, more outside varnish and staining then inside.

Here's Branson's chart that shows their cleaning chemicals suggested applications: www.bransoncleaning.com/chemistry.asp

We use the GP liquid at work. It does a good job of cleaning off all the chemicals related to machining new metallic and plastic parts. It cuts thread cutting oil with no problems, but I haven't tried my carbs there yet. You have to rinse any aluminum parts quickly because it does discolor it if left.

Personally, I have used laundry detergent and simple green in my personal ultrasonic cleaner to good effect on carbs.

I have an ultrasonic cleaner for doing carbs etc.
I've tried allsorts of cleaning fluids and experimented with my own concoctions and ended up using just hot water.
I use the ultrasonic as the last stage in cleaning after the usual soak in solvent/degreaser etc.
I strip the carbs completely and wouldn't recommend putting them in whole as the sonic vibrations can wear jet needles,fine airscrew threads etc where the two mating surfaces touch.
If you do try cleaning fluids do not use flammable liquids as the vibrations create heat and can cause solvents to ignite.

Try a thick mixture of laundry washing powder and bleach applied with a tooth brush for the carb bodies,it works a treat.
Cover the body with the paste, scub lightly into crevices etc and leave for a while before rinsing with hot water.

I also have an ultrasonic cleaner and when it came to cleaning my carbs I telephoned the manager of a company here in England which manufactures these devices. I asked him what he would recommend as a fluid to clean carbs. He suggested white spirit...you Americans have another name which escapes me at the moment...
My cleaner has a heating element in it because the white spirit got VERY warm after about 20 minutes but my carbs are now VIRGINS.
I used a magnifier to inspect every surface which was visible and I'm a picky *******.
Absolutely immaculate!!
I did get a bit concerned about heat+white spirit but hell, I'm still here and my carbs are beautifull!!

Thanks!

I like the soap and bleach for exterior - then ultrasonic to remove that as well. Going to try it.

I heard many people use Simple Green, but I was warned that the Navy stopped using it... turns out "some guy in the Navy" stopped using it.

I called the manufacturer up and asked about Simple Green use on aluminum and they hesitated and said perfectly safe. I asked about the hesitation, and they admitted that if left in the solution a long time, it will darken aluminum. Funny... I had that exact experience. Turned a set of carbs real dark after leaving in the dip for 2 days.

I do know of others using Isopropyl alcohol, but that can ignite??

SPARKY47 wrote: ...white spirit...you Americans have another name which escapes me at the moment...a bit concerned about heat+white spirit...carbs are beautifull!....

mineral spirits??

Good Fortune!

Yeah, white spirit = mineral spirits. I'm not sure that stuff is safe for an ultrasonic cleaner. Our ultrasonic cleaner at work is normally set to 50*C. Flashpoint of mineral spirits is 40-43*C. Get one spark in the vicinity and you'll have a fire on your hands. Additionally, don't get that stuff anywhere near the rubber parts of your carbs. They will be ruined by contact with mineral spirits.