Carb rebuild ???????

[JOLLY]

What is the best carb cleaner to soak the carbs in ?????? I have always used (Chem Dip). Is there any other suggestion that may do a better job. ????? I have two sets to rebuild. Also looking for any links that might help me with the rebuild. One set is off a 1984 GL1200I and the other a 1986 GL1200A. (A complete teardown)

[robin1731]

Not good to soak these carbs in anything near that harsh. Clean the outside with foaming engine degreaser. Then take them apart and clean the individual pieces with carb cleaner. You could soak the jets and brass parts in chem dip. But carb cleaner and air are you best bets.

Be careful with anything on the outside though because a lot of it can take the clear coat off of the caps.

Go to Randakks site for the kits. And get the book for the 1200 carbs at the same time. It will help.

.

[Whiskerfish]

Just to echo what Robin said. These carb bodies are made from a very soft composite of metals and harsh cleaners can actually eat the metal.

[RB]

Many use simple green and sonic tub..or just water and boiling in a big pot.

[5speed]

I used brake cleaner on my 1000 carbs as per Randakk's video..

[warhead_71]

I disassemble and cook mine overnight in an old Crockpot with about 50/50 pinesol/water mix. I usually pull the left and right banks off the plenum, but keep each bank together. It gets all the crud out and won't harm the rubber.

[JOLLY]

Not good to soak these carbs in anything near that harsh. Clean the outside with foaming engine degreaser. Then take them apart and clean the individual pieces with carb cleaner. You could soak the jets and brass parts in chem dip. But carb cleaner and air are you best bets.

Be careful with anything on the outside though because a lot of it can take the clear coat off of the caps.

Go to Randakks site for the kits. And get the book for the 1200 carbs at the same time. It will help.

.

I have tried doing it that way. The 1986 GL1200A carbs, I have given it a great effort. This time I will be disassembling the carbs completely. They have blockages that air and carb cleaner can't get to. Maybe they just need to come apart so I can get to them????? I will find out!!!

[desertrefugee]

Just to echo what Robin said. These carb bodies are made from a very soft composite of metals and harsh cleaners can actually eat the metal.

Not to mention the 1200's have rubber diaphragms (as opposed to aluminum slides). They don't much like harsh solvents, either.

[maury]

The very best way to clean the carbs is with a professional ultrasonic cleaner. I've cleaned carbs with most of what is listed above, then placed in an ultrasonic (with distilled water and small amount dishwashing detergent) and WOW !! It's amazing to see little "puffs" of material dissolving and coming out of the orifices everywhere. This is the technique used by the folks that advertise and charge to rebuild carbs.

[JOLLY]

The very best way to clean the carbs is with a professional ultrasonic cleaner. I've cleaned carbs with most of what is listed above, then placed in an ultrasonic (with distilled water and small amount dishwashing detergent) and WOW !! It's amazing to see little "puffs" of material dissolving and coming out of the orifices everywhere. This is the technique used by the folks that advertise and charge to rebuild carbs.

Sound or Vibration.??

[robin1731]

Do a google search and spend hours seeing how ultrasonic cleaning works.

But, for the DIY guy doing one or two sets of carbs per year or less don't spend the money. Spend the time with carb cleaner and compressed air. You can get the same results. It will just take a bit longer. Ultrasonic cleaning is not the only way to clean carbs. It is very good way to do "production" type cleaning.
.

[JOLLY]

[quote="robin1731"]Do a google search and spend hours seeing how ultrasonic cleaning works.

But, for the DIY guy doing one or two sets of carbs per year or less don't spend the money. Spend the time with carb cleaner and compressed air. You can get the same results. It will just take a bit longer. Ultrasonic cleaning is not the only way to clean carbs. It is very good way to do "production" type cleaning. Ok I believe that. I have bought new carb kits. So I can tear them completely. I will let you know if it works. Thanks, JOLLY

[robin1731]

snip......... I have bought new carb kits.

From Randakk I hope?

.

[JOLLY]

Many use simple green and sonic tub..or just water and boiling in a big pot.

I like your suggestions. Would it be alright to heat the simple green.? Thanks, JOLLY

[robin1731]