Carb cleaner - homemade ?

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I have a carb I'm rebuilding. I have numerous chemicals in bulk already. Any particular chemical to use? By itself or combined with others...

Chemicals on hand;
Toluene
Alcohol (methyl hydrate)
Varsol
Acetone
Vinegar
Ammonia
Degreaser
Concentrated all purpose cleaner
Gasoline
Diesel
Various oils...
Edited to add;
Alum
Sodium chloride
Potassium chloride

 

[Snoranger]

You definitely want to mix all of them in a poorly vented room.

 

[RobbieD]

My grandmother always used lye soap to clean her carburetors.


Seriously, I don't know. I think I'd start my google-foo session with "what not to use to clean a carburetor".

Otherwise, the only advice I can offer, if the carb starts melting, your concoction might be too strong.

 

[superj]

Gasoline probably wont do much inside. I would think varsol wont either but i guess there is only one way to find out.


We use pd-680 as a replacement for varsol for degreasing. Neither are good for removing serious stuff

 

[Curious Hound]

You definitely want to mix all of them in a poorly vented room.

Add 1/2 cup of lemon juice for good measure.

your neighbors;” Wow. What an explosion. It’s been raining debris for over 30 minutes. And everything smells so lemony fresh.”

 

[RobbieD]

Add 1/2 cup of lemon juice for good measure.

And don't forget the little paper umbrella.

Salting the rim of the glass is optional, though.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Another forum gave the recommendation of pinesol. I'll give that a try. Its cheap...

 

[RobbieD]

Another forum gave the recommendation of pinesol. I'll give that a try. Its cheap...

But on "Another forum" you don't get such abuse, as you get here . . . .

 

[superj]

Its not abuse, its brotherly love

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Found another possible contender, muriatic acid cut into water. 1/3 acid, 2/3 water. 20 minutes then rinse and repeat if necesary on 5 minute intervals.
Apparently its used for pool cleaning? Also I think cleaning concrete off tools.

 

[pjtoledo]

just to be safe, read all the labels, the first 2 you mix should contain fluorides and chlorides.

if you have any hair left it will be blonde.

 

[19Walt93]

I'd just buy some carb cleaner, if your home brew causes corrosion inside some of the passages you may never fix it. Nevermind that you might create some toxic fumes.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I'd just buy some carb cleaner, if your home brew causes corrosion inside some of the passages you may never fix it. Nevermind that you might create some toxic fumes.

I second this.

Whats the carb off of? That could make a difference on what might mess shit up.

 

[broncc]

I took a look at the MSDS for Berryman for inspiration.

https://www.berrymanproducts.com/assets/CD-A-Int-0996-R01.pdf

I have limited knowledge of chemistry, but my research shows me that most of the ingredients are solvents. What's interesting is the last couple ingredients appear to be basic. From experience I know that using an acid works well to dissolve aluminum oxide, but also plain aluminum. The SDS and some Googling imply that if you use chemicals with ammonia in it, the oxide dissolves but the plain aluminum is okay. Be careful not to make ammonia gas. I'd just suggest buying the Berryman if you can, but I know Canadians aren't allowed to use chemicals that work.

In conclusion;
-strong solvents to clear the varnish
-ammonia to clear the oxidation

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I bought some pinesol. I'll try it out on some old carbs that I have no use for.
Right now I don't have the cash to buy proper carb cleaning solution, and Canadian Tire didn't have any... the clerk at the parts counter didn't have a clue. Probably has never seen a carb.
I'll look at other stores so I know where to get some when money comes in.