Shop Talk #29, Carburetor Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution --- Video #184

I discuss the solution I use in the ultrasonic unit to clean carburetors.
Link to article mentioned in the video: www.sparkingplugs.com/resources/Smith_Cleaning-Carbs_356+registry.pdf

[@jdaniels1313]

Would have liked to see some examples of the (aluminum-safe) wheel cleaner product, to know what to buy and what NOT to buy for this purpose.

[@sledsgarage]

Thanks for the video. Just bought one!

[@kwrightway]

You're welcome, hope it works out for you...

[@thomasherrick5400]

Try Fabuloso it’s cheap and works great. Doesn’t dull aluminum at al.

[@nathanielnewsome6699]

Do u do it 50/50 or all faboulse

[@byronwoolfrey1039]

A friend who is a mechanic said to soak my carburator in Lysol toilet bowl cleaner. Harsh stuff. Ate away the aluminum

[@kwrightway]

I believe Lysol bowl cleaner is primariluy hydrochloric acid, which is, as you discovered, is chemically not suitable for cleaning aluminum or alloys.

[@biopsiesbeanieboos55]

Nobody uses Engine Coolant. Why ? It’s obviously non-corrosive and completely safe to use with EVERY metal, it’s cheap, and if you add a bit of dish soap, makes the perfect ultrasonic cleaner. Yet, there is not one video on KZbin of someone trying that mix. Just repeats of the same old 5 fluids. C’mon people. Broaden your minds a bit…start thinking creatively.

[@armandsarbidans7280]

hey, nice video, thanks!! maybe you have some information about plastic intake manifolds? what is the solution for them?

[@kwrightway]

For plastic, I'd simply use a strong detergent/water solutions, using something like Dawn dish detergent. In terms of ratios I'd mix enough detergent into the water like I'd use to hand wash realy dirty dishes. I'd stay away from most solvents. If using heat n the cleaner, make sure the solution doesn't get too hot.

[@MartinGarcia-dt4vm]

What brand aluminum cleaner you used??? Good video

[@kwrightway]

Any quality brand of alloy/aluminum cleaner will work, though I'm a big Maguiers fan. Meguiar’s Hot Rims Aluminum Wheel Cleaner is one of their products. Whatever you use, make sure it's specifically labeled as safe on aluminum.

[@GunFunZS]

Thank you for the video is there a particular brand you like? Like several of the others I have got pretty good results for at least an initial clean with concentrated pine sol. but it never completed the job it was just a good initial soap before I went at it with scrub brushes and maybe mild scotch bright and the usual carb cleaner sprays.

[@kwrightway]

You are most welcome on the video. It's been a few years since I mixed the solution so I don't recall the specific product I used. However, I'm a big Maguiers fan, so it's likely if Maguiers made an aluminum safe wheel cleaner back then, that's what I probably bought. That's the best I can do, I'm afraid. I have another episode coming up soon on this topic where I specifically discuss and test Pine-Sol and another cleaner. Stay tuned... Thanks for the comments on your experience as I appreciate hearing about others approaches.

[@djc4446]

Thanks for Your video. Do You know if it's safe on rubber and plastic pieces or would they have to be removed?

[@kwrightway]

Generally I think it's a good idea to remove all non-metal pieces, i.e., rubber and plastic. That said, within reason, I believe it's reasonably safe to use the formula and process I discussed to clean carbs with soft components still attached. Proceed slowly and check as you go, but I think you'll be OK.

[@cesarroman9945]

Hi can I ask you something. What is the exact brand of the wheel cleaner that you use,there is so many out there

[@lenBrill1971]

Have you tried spray nine and water?

[@missypeppers3193]

What kind of wheel cleaner

[@kwrightway]

Brand isn't particuarly important, as long as it's aluminum or alloy safe. I use a lot of Meguiar's products, but there are a lot of good options out there.

[@cesarroman9945]

Hi can I ask you something. What is the exact brand of the wheel cleaner that you use,there is so many out there

[@kwrightway]

There are many suitable brands of alloy/aluminum safe wheel cleaner. I haven't purchased any in some time as I haven't needed to, I save and reuse my solution. In any event, I'm a big Meguiars products fan, so if I was looking today, I'd consider Meguiar's G14324 Hot Rims Aluminum Wheel Cleaner. Note I haven't used this product, but it is worth a look. Regardless of the brand, as long as the label indicates the product is alloy or aluminum safe, you'll be fine.