HF ultrasonic cleaner

[brushcutter]

I stopped at the local H F today and bought an ultrasonic cleaner. I was wanting to know what is the best cleaning solution to use with it for cleaning carburetors. I have several carburetors to rebuild and have heard that an ultrasonic cleaner is the way to go with cleaning carbs. I want to use something that will not discolor or corrode the aluminum. Are there any tips or tricks for cleaning carburetors in an ultrasonic cleaner? Also, anything not to do?  Thanks, Tim 

[sweepleader]

Never tried it. I do know that it can take the bluing off of gun parts if they are left too long. The stuff that I have found stuck to carbs is hydrocarbon based and does not respond well to water, which has been the main component of ultrasonic cleaner solutions that I have seen. I would suggest that whatever you use, do not hope that more time is a good idea if water is used. Water and aluminum do not get along well.

I have always had good luck with spray carb cleaner, I don't soak anything longer than it takes to squirt a couple times and then blow dry with compressed air. The aluminum has a thin oxide coating that helps protect it and I think it should stay on there.

Maybe and ultrasonic would clean alcohol leavings. Maybe whoever suggested using the machine could tell you what to use in it.

[stillsawing]

Just got done doing an SDC in my Hornady Ultrasonic Cleaner, worked great. The only things left in the body were the two butterflies and shafts. The solution used was labeled for gun parts, carb looks new. When I reassembled my 350, most of the screws, complete clutch, and oil pump got a bath. Trying now to talk myself into buying a larger one, one that would fit a complete disassembled saw at once. Bigger would shorten firearm cleaning, throw a bunch in at one time.

[lesorubcheek]

Some people are apt to jump on this, but for carbs I use a glass container, usually an empty Smucker's peanut butter, filled with either kerosene or mineral spirits. Fill the ultrasonic cleaner with plain water, then place in the container with the carb and kerosene. I realize it's flammable and certainly don't put it in a spot that is it did flame up it would catch our house on fire. I only use it for carbs that have some really nasty varnish. Normally, like Dan (sweepleader), I use carb cleaner and it does a fine job.

Dan

[stillsawing]

Not sure what's in the gun cleaner solution, but it's petroleum based and smells like Pinesol. Also used the heating mode, just lukewarm. I like the way of using the small jar, maybe a way of using denatured alcohol to fight bad varnish.

[Deleted]

“usually an empty Smucker's peanut butter, filled with either kerosene or mineral”

Man I miss Smuckers. They had a red plum jelly that was awesome 😎. Can’t find much of their stuff around here anymore just a few things like strawberry jam and some other preserves. Anyway sorry for the distraction but that stuff was awesome

[brushcutter]

I put an old cylinder in a plastic zip lock bag with some Mr. Clean. Put it in the tank of the cleaner and filled to mark with water, it is cleaning it but it is slow. Had a lot of carbon build up. Glass jars, kerosene, and petroleum based products sound just a little unsafe to me. I need to find something safe to use that won't discolor the aluminum or eat it up. Lots of opinions out there on what to use, hoping to find something that has the most recommendations. Thanks, Tim

[sweepleader]

Keep in mind that detergents and soaps are only effective when mixed with water, they depend on the asymmetric H2O molecules to do their work.

18 degrees doubles chemical reactions, or halves it if you cool things off.

Add some water and heat, the cleaning takes off. BUT, corrosion behaves the same way, doubles with 18 degrees. Water is considered corrosive, certainly with aluminum and mag, both of which are considered active metals.

[tjthechainsawmech]

Super clean does wonders when warm.

[brushcutter]

Super Clean discolors aluminum, great degreaser though on steel.