Cleaning a brass carburetor using laundry detergent

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Cleaning a brass carburetor using laundry detergent
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mattthew G California on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 - 10:30 pm:

I posted what I found here on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoQa2SLJtXY

I kind’a stumbled across this method of cleaning brass. I just wanted to clean the carburetor, but not necessarily polish it. As you see I just soaked it in laundry detergent for 24 hours… I just love the look I got, not polished, not dirty, just nice old brass.

This is a 1902 Schebler (Indianapolis, IND) carburetor with a ¾” pipe nipple for my old 1908 Detroit marine engine. But I am sure you could use this on your horseless carriage or Model T brass carb.

Please post any questions or comments you have. Thanks!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mattthew G California on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 - 10:39 pm:

Here is the before:

And after photo:

What you can't tell is how much dirt and grease is on the first photo.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By George Clipner-Los Angeles on Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 03:12 am:

Left a nice patina. LIKE


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jay - In Northern California on Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 09:17 am:

Thanks for sharing. Greta patina!! I think I'll get out the oxy- clean and give it a go myself!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 02:11 pm:

As long as we're talking about cleaning things........I've not seen anything that cuts oil and grease like DAWN dish detergent.
I thought about how Dawn is used for cleaning off petroleum covered wildlife and finally tried it.......that stuff REALLY works!....... :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 02:39 pm:

How about Easy Off Oven Cleaner. My wife uses that to clean her pots of baked on food grease and it just bubbles it right off down to the shine. Seems like Easy Off might be good to get off baked on auto grease as well. Jim Patrick.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Miller, Mostly in Dearborn on Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 03:04 pm:

Be careful with lye based cleaners and carbs like the Holley G. It will attack the venturi inside the carb.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jay - In Northern California on Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 03:14 pm:

Craig, Good idea it didn't DAWN on me to use that product instead on Oxy-Clean! :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 04:48 pm:

Jay.....I use it every time I cook with olive oil......I like to rub fish, chicken, pork and beef roasts and even baking potatoes with it before cooking.
ONE DROP of Dawn in my hand is all it takes.......great stuff! :-)

(Love your pun....... ;) )


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mattthew G California on Saturday, July 20, 2013 - 12:40 am:

Thanks for all your responses.

Please feel free to post photos of results you get and other things you do to clean your brass carbs. I have noticed online people cleaning brass shells use vinegar, salt, etc. in the solutions.

I look forward to learning more.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Saturday, July 20, 2013 - 12:25 pm:

What is safe to use on potmetal?

I noted the video showed Tide detergent, which may have phosphates? We use Armand Hammer laundry detergent, which may not be as strong or caustic.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Grohsmeyer on Saturday, July 20, 2013 - 02:28 pm:

White vinegar on brass carbs does wonders for removing grime right down to the brass. Used it on carb for my Mack. Leave it soak over night, and brush the tight places. Resoak it after fully disassembled to get all of the ports cleaned and rinse with water when you are satisfied.


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