Best chemical mixture for cleaning pot metal carburetor castings?

[mcgarrett]

Would appreciate info on an effective cleaner for pot metal carb bodies. I just bought 8 Marvel carbs to rebuild and need a process that works quicker than glass bead I've used the Motorcraft professional carb cleaner with great results, but open to hear of other products out there that might work just as well or better for perhaps less cost. I've tried, phosphoric acid, but it tends to darken the casting metal. Also have used glass bead, and might go that route again. Let me hear about your successes.

[Kurt in NJ]

Most recently I was surprised at how well a mixture of simple green cleaned in a heated ultrasonic cleaner
Plastic media in a blasting booth does good without changing the original surface texture.
In the Ford engine rebuilding book is a formula for cleaning and recoloring, it uses chemicals and acids that are toxic, if you want that I will look for the book.

[mcgarrett]

I'll give the Simple Green cleaner a try. I've read about those original chemical concoctions and don't want to resort to using them at this point. Thanks for the suggestion.

[rotorwrench]

I still just use MEK as an internal cleaner for removal of fuel remnants. Zinc die cast is vulnerable to a lot of decarbonizing solvents. A lot depend on the alloys involved with the part being cleaned and the surface finish of the original casting. Cleaning corrosion is still the most difficult task and it is generally best done manually with a lot of scrubbing and moderate use of fine grit finishing products. The stuff is too soft to get aggressive with it.

Restoration of chromate coatings can be a challenge if the part was originally coated.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

Would appreciate info on an effective cleaner for pot metal carb bodies. I just bought 8 Marvel carbs to rebuild and need a process that works quicker than glass bead I've used the Motorcraft professional carb cleaner with great results, but open to hear of other products out there that might work just as well or better for perhaps less cost. I've tried, phosphoric acid, but it tends to darken the casting metal. Also have used glass bead, and might go that route again. Let me hear about your successes.

Please don't glass bead a Marvel carburetor. It ruins the finish IMO.

I have used Pine-Sol with good success. After disassembly, soak all the parts in 50/50 mix with water.

[JayJay]

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I've used Berryman Chem-Dip for over 50 years and it's still my primary carb cleaner. I suspect that the formulation has changed over the years but it still works fine.

For cast iron parts (like the Zenith) I follow up with Evaporust.

Follow the above with a good scrub in hot soapy water, then dry thoroughly.

JayJay

[Fhane]

Go to the Simple Green Web site. You might be surprised how many different types they have. From the typical household up to the industrial type used in parts washers. All seem to be safer than some of the harsher chemicals.

[Aretino]

MEK was my go to cleaner for parts cleaning during my 50 years as a Aircraft Mechanic. Works Great.
We never wore gloves or used respirators until OSHA was established. If you plan on using these strong chemicals wear gloves and make sure you don't inhale the fumes. The side effects are real.

[Merc Cruzer]

Just another suggestion, of what worked for me.

[rotorwrench]

Methelene chloride is still available in some states but not in all. That's what the majority of dip cans used.

[Fullraceflathead]

If you're going to use MEK make sure you wear goggles you do not want any MEK in your eyes!!!

[mcgarrett]

These are all great suggestions, just what I was looking for. Thanks to all!

[Wick]

Pine- sol