DIY ultrasonic carb cleaning results

[Underdog1]

Tried my Chinese ‘GT Sonic’ carb cleaner for the first time today along with Allendale ultrasonic carb cleaning solution.

After 2x5 minute blasts, a 10 min blast and finally a 30minute blast at 70 degrees my carb body still looks like this:



Basically no different to when I started, it’s all been blasted out with air so I’m confident it’s all clear, there was also a bit of sludge at the bottom of the solution which had turned brown. Basically what’s this white stuff? It was there before I started and US cleaning obviously isn’t removing it. Got another carb body in some thinners  overnight so will see what that’s like in the morning. Carb bowl is sparkling but I’d already manually cleaned that thoroughly.

Am I expecting too much of my US cleaner?

[Nurse Julie]

I had huge problem with white deposits when I had my carbs cleaned a few years ago. Even when I stripped the carbs over this winter, there was still evidence of the white stuff. It's has all gone now after this winters strip and clean but it was a right pain in the arse.

[Underdog1]

I had huge problem with white deposits when I had my carbs cleaned a few years ago. Even when I stripped the carbs over this winter, there was still evidence of the white stuff. It's has all gone now after this winters strip and clean but it was a right pain in the arse.

I had this stuff on there before I even started. As long as the carbs are good to go with the white deposits inside I don’t mind, just thinking do I need to get it all out before hey go back together?

[Nurse Julie]

I would definitely try to remove it. I'm trying copy and paste the link to my thread on it.....

[Underdog1]

I would definitely try to remove it. I'm trying copy and paste the link to my thread on it.....

Maybe the soak in thinners will do something. Otherwise it’ll have to be elbow grease and scotchbrite

[Nurse Julie]

Here you go.
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,7816.msg49968.html#msg49968

These deposits were still there 3 years later .....not now though.

[Nurse Julie]

The outcome of the above link was that I got the carbs as clean as I possibly could with petrol and WD040 but, like I said previously, there was still some white residue 3 years later.
These are how the bodies cleaned up in the u/s cleaner this time....bootiful

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[SteveW]

I borrowed a mates ultrasonic cleaner and used bog standard bathroom limescale cleaner and boiling water, worked a treat.

[Moorey]

What’s the best solution to use in the cleaner.

[Underdog1]

The outcome of the above link was that I got the carbs as clean as I possibly could with petrol and WD040 but, like I said previously, there was still some white residue 3 years later.
These are how the bodies cleaned up in the u/s cleaner this time....bootiful

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Looking good! I’m going to try some screenwash in the US cleaner or possibly use the water from my tumble dryer condenser as I just used tap water today. Someone else also suggested limescale remover. Will report back!

What’s a usual cleaning cycle time to use? 30 mins was the longest I went today

[Nurse Julie]

You can never 'over clean' them so I don't think the length of time is over critical. Screen wash with de ionised water is good. I can't understand how limescale remover works as I thought it was caustic based and would make everything go black as all alloy does when exposed to anything caustic.

[hairygit]

Don't use limescale cleaner, it's an acid, and all acids can damage/discolour alloy parts!

[Nurse Julie]

Don't use limescale cleaner, it's an acid, and all acids can damage/discolour alloy parts!

That's probably what I mean Mr Hairy. I don't know if caustic is an acid but all I do know is it makes alloy go black.

[K2-K6]

Yep, limescale is dissolved in acid so those solutions for bathroom taps,  kettles etc are all acidic and most likely acetic.

Caustic is alkaline generally,  the opposite of acid.  Good for removing baked oils and fats like ovens,  two stroke exhausts etc and cleaning plug holes that are blocked.  Activate with hot water and will blacken alloys containing aluminium.

[kevski]

The only acid to use on the carbs is nitric, any other acid will erode the bodies, caustic based solutions will do the same, use at your own risk. The white powdery stuff is oxidization and can be a pain, best plan is to clean the carbs and get them back on and working again quickly, if you want the bodies to come up shiny have them soda blasted.