Badly gunked carbs, blades won't move 84 550 GPZ

I tried soaking them in vinegar but did not help much. I was thinking of pouring a couple gallons of gas in a tote and soaking them in it. The bike has not ran since 1988 and its been inside. The varnish is heavy and the smell of old gas filled my neighborhood. It took about an hour to get the diaframs out. The rubber on them seems a little stiff. Anyone got any ideas on softening the rubber on the diaframs? I rubbed on some Vaseline petroleum Jelley but don't know if that will work or not. Think the gas soaking idea might work? The crud is really heavy in the bowls

First, get a factory service manual, then go buy a gallon of Berryman's Chem-Dip. Disassemble the carb rack and drop the chunks into the bucket.

I use WD40 and work with them. Don't pry too hard.

I went ahead and bought another set of carbs off ebay. 2 sets actually. One set was for parts. It also had bigger jets in the good carb and also getting the rest of the jet kit. I've messed with mine for two days and the blades are super stuck.

Remember it took years of gas evaporating to get the gunk on them and will take days of soaking and working to get it off. If you are going to use any old carbs the Berryman carb cleaner works great but it takes time, rinse lather repeat. Sometimes spares are great also.
Glad to hear you are trying to stay stock.

guitargeek wrote: First, get a factory service manual, then go buy a gallon of Berryman's Chem-Dip. Disassemble the carb rack and drop the chunks into the bucket.

That Chem-Dip is some strong stuff. Wouldn't be good for the diaphrams, but it should make short work out of cleaning them up. The Berryman carb cleaner is good too, but that Chem-Dip is great stuff.