The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Red_Hen on April 03, 2013, 08:00:49 AM

Title: Ultrasonic Cleaner for carbs
Post by: Red_Hen on April 03, 2013, 08:00:49 AM

Hi Gang,

Bought an ultrasonic cleaner from Harbor Freight to clean up the Type 53 carbs on R60/5 project bike.

http://www.harborfreight.com/25-liter-ultrasonic-cleaner-95563.html

I've read about mixing a solution 50/50 vinegar / water and also read about using simple green.

Anyone with experience in this area, please advise - if vinegar, what kind as there are a couple different grades.

Title: Re: Ultrasonic Cleaner for carbs
Post by: montmil on April 03, 2013, 08:29:55 AM

Doesn't vinegar turn aluminum black? or did I misread something... again.

Title: Re: Ultrasonic Cleaner for carbs
Post by: Bob_Roller on April 03, 2013, 09:08:18 AM

I used Simple Green on the carbs from my '82 LS, they came out pretty clean .

Before cleaning .

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x361/128as0050404/Picture054-1.jpg


After cleaning .
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x361/128as0050404/Picture055-1.jpg


My ultrasonic cleaner quit soon afterwards and I wonder if it's worth getting it repaired, or just get another one, only have about 12 hours of use on it ????

Title: Re: Ultrasonic Cleaner for carbs
Post by: Justin B. on April 03, 2013, 10:57:31 AM

I just overhauled the carbs on Barbi's '84 and I put a degreaser solvent called "Skysol" in mine and it cleaned very well.  There was a lot of crud on the back sides of the carbs that had been baked on for God knows how many years and what didn't come off was softened enough to where B12 sprayed it right off.

Title: Re: Ultrasonic Cleaner for carbs
Post by: Ed Miller on April 03, 2013, 12:19:46 PM

I wonder how a gallon of B12 would work in an ultrasonic cleaner.  

Title: Re: Ultrasonic Cleaner for carbs
Post by: Bob_Roller on April 03, 2013, 01:49:01 PM

I don't know about all ultrasonic cleaners, but the limited instructions I got, stated not to use flammable liquids .

Title: Re: Ultrasonic Cleaner for carbs
Post by: Red_Hen on April 03, 2013, 04:05:45 PM

Actually I asked Chris Harris, owner of Affordable Beemer Service in New Hampshire - he suggests Simple Green mixed at a ratio of 1:2 - 1:5 dilution with water at @ 100 degrees F

He's got some great instructional videos on You Tube and has a great sense of humor too.

The US Washer arrived today - will take some B4 and After Pics

Title: Re: Ultrasonic Cleaner for carbs
Post by: Justin B. on April 03, 2013, 04:08:52 PM

I don't know if my cleaner has a heater built in or of the solutions naturally get hot after use but after about an hour I see "steam" coming off mine...  So, B12 probably wouldn't be a good idea!

Title: Re: Ultrasonic Cleaner for carbs
Post by: CaptainSlow on April 04, 2013, 04:57:24 AM

Does anyone know where I can get some SimpleGreen in the UK? Or is there a UK equivalent product? I bought a fairly big ex-dental practice ultrasonic cleaner recently and put some carb bits in it a few days ago using just hot water and domestic detergent (Fairy) - it barely made a difference :( I don't want to put anything flammable in there as I've also been warned not to do that lol.

One other question while we're on the subject - is it safe to put the carb body, including the butterfly assembly in the bath? I don't want to damage the o-ring on the butterfly spindle as I don't have one of those (or the butterfly plate retaining screws).

Thanks :)