Hi,
Sorry a bit OT but applicable. Trying to clean a golf cart carb ( gas sat for several years) that is all white metal. Todays cleaners will not open a small passage. It will only run with choke about half way out. Local excellent mechanic says buy a new one for 350 bucks, there must be a way around this. Any ideas, Thanks!
I put some of my old small carburettor parts in this with mineral spirits and leave them overnight seems to work for me when carb gets a bad case of alcohol poisoning!
http://www.harborfreight.com/ultrasonic-cleaner-3305.html
Can you pass a small wire or drill through the passage? The auto parts stores carry gallon cans of carburetor cleaner with a strainer basket already inside. I would let it sit in there for a week or so.
If it's gummed up I would try laquer thinner, if it's white corrosion gunk I would try pickling vinegar.
YMMV
I have a small package of wires to clean oxy-acetylene torches. Some of them are much finer than my standard small drill bits. they work well for opening small passages and then cleaning them up. I don't even own an oxy-acetylene but have used the tip cleaners to get several lawn mowers going.
A five dollar set of cheap guitar strings gives you the best passage and jet cleaners you can own. They are flexible, the windings are brass so they do not enlarge the jet size like acetylene torch cleaners do and range in size from about .010 to .056. You can whack them up and make a dozen sets of cleaners from one cheap set of strings, put a set in every toolbox you own and still have some to give away.
Thanks, Stan. I just run the cleaners through and hadn't thought they'd enlarge the openings. I'll get some guitar strings from my son.
I've got one of those old Harley carts. Kind of a pain to pull the carb because you have to pull the starter-generator first, but a lot of fun to drive. I use the Walmart carb and intake cleaner with it's little tube. Use a generous amount, it's cheap. Also make sure the fuel lines are tight at the fittings so it doesn't suck air. The little one-way or check valve at the end of the fuel line in the tank is very problematic. It has a steal ball that rusts because of our new fuel. If the check valve is messed up it will not run worth a hoot. Also the needle seat in the carb is tricky to set to the proper height. Thanks for guitar string idea Stan. One more thing, look at the reed plate between the carb and cylinder and make sure its not damaged and that the hole for the fuel suction is open. If I can help give me a call at 903 824 1949.
If anybody wants a set of guitar string cleaning wires send me an email at stanhowemt@aol.com and I'll stick a set in the mail for you. I've probably given away fifty sets in the last few years. I always have used strings even though I don't change them as often as some people do. If you are getting some for yourself and your friends from a music store, tell the kid working there you want the cheapest set of medium gauge acoustic guitar strings he has. Should be about 5-6 bucks.
Some plugged carbs require more than traditional cleaners to combat corrosion. I would suggest electrolysis. Mix about one gallon of water and one tablespoon of baking or washing soda place the carb body in the solution with the negative terminal of a battery or battery charger and the positive to a piece of scrap, similar metal is best but lead or light sheet metal is ok. Attach the positive to the piece of scrap but don't sink it in the solution as it will destroy the spring (alligator clip). Leave in the solution for 8 - 10 hrs then use compressed air to blow out the small holes. When the electrolysis is working there will firstly be bubbles forming on the parts and after a while a filthy froth will appear on top of the water, that is the corrosion being removed. Hope this works. David