Ultra-Sonic Cleaners

[Bob_Roller]

Just took possession of an ultra-sonic cleaner, bought it primarily to clean mechanical clock movements, as I dabble in amateur repair of these mechanical nightmares ! I can see some applications in motorcycle maintenance for this piece of equipment . My question is, has anyone used , or have any experience in using one ? The cleaning solution for clock movements is about $25 a gallon, so I don't want to contaminate this costly fluid with automotive type parts, is there an alternative cleaning solution for general purpose cleaning?

[Justin B.]

Bob, can't you pretty much use anything in them?  The ones I've seen were a stainless steel pot so I would think you could experiment with various cleaners, solvents, etc.  I am thinking that high sudsing cleaners might not be a good idea, though.   But, if you try some (and make a mess) please remember to post pics!  

[Bob_Roller]

I did alot of searching last night, and found that there is a specific cleaning solution to specific needs, one for clock movements, precious metal and gemstone, aluminum, optical, rust removal on ferrous material, electronic printed circuit boards, ect. Most come as a dry powder and mix with water for a 10-20% strength solution. Now to find a local source if possible.

[Justin B.]

OK, so it looks like you can use just about anything.  It would be interesting to try some of the commonly used cleaners (Simple Green, Greased Lightning, etc) to see what happens...  I don't know itf this gadget would immediately produce a giant pile of foam, or what!  I was thinking more on the line of carb cleaning.  If the "pot" is stainless then maybe one could get the insides of Bings squeaky clean if something like Berrymans B-12 was used.  Harbor Freight has a 1.5 quart model that looks to be stainless steel, and the tank looks big enough to fit a Bing.  Kinda pricey at $159/on sale, though...

[Bob_Roller]

The instructions caution you about using 'foaming' type cleaners, I guess you can get a mountain of foam real fast. From what I have been able to learn about this cleaning process, the cleaning action is from the bubbles in the solution, when they collapse the shock from this actually is the removing force that does the cleaning, not a solvent action. I got mine off of ebay, a 7 quart model with tank dimensions of 12 in. by 6 in. by 6 in. Looks like another learning process ahead of me.

[Justin B.]

I'll be interested in finding out how it works for you...

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

So is this tool similar to what the dental hygenist uses on me these days?

[Bob_Roller]

Rob, this is more of an appliance that sits on a table, with a tank that you put a mesh parts holder into. I tried it tonight with the clock cleaning solution on some old gold rings, and it is amazing the cleaning power of this unit. I put in a high school graduation ring from 1974, that hasn't been cleaned ever, and it looks like the day that I got back in 1974.

[Ed Miller]

So is this tool similar to what the dental hygenist uses on me these days?

NO Rob!  Billie clubs would just deform your carburators.  We're trying to get them clean.

[Semper Gumby]

I've heard this is a good way to clean carbs.  I'm interested in what you've bought and how you are using it.

TTFN,

[Justin B.]

Yes, Bob, you are hereby tasked with putting one of your Bings through this.  If you don't have any spare Bings, I would gladly send you a pair to try!  

[Bob_Roller]

Semper G. the brand name is Sonic Wave it's made with pride in China (what isn't these days). The importer to the US is SCH Imports, 7335 Royal Harbour Circle, Ooltewah, Tn., 37363. The seller on eBay is CHAPMANSLTPLUS  located in the Chattanooga, Tn area . The real reason I bought it, was I have 2 mechanical clock movements that need cleaning real bad, the 2 shops here in the Phoenix area want $225 to clean these movements, that's not doing anything other than put them in an ultra-sonic cleaner for about an hour each. I got it on eBay for $215 plus $25 shipping, I just thought it was cost efficient to buy it . Plus it will be useful in R65 maintenance down the road. As well as the odd piece of jewelry and old coins that I want to clean as well. Doing a bit more research on this cleaning method, the use of flammable liquids is highly not recommended due to explosion hazards. Justin, when I get the correct cleaning solution for aluminum, for the price of shipping both ways, I'll give it a try and see how it turns out. As both of my carbs are in very good shape for 79,000 miles and a little over 26 years of age.

[Semper Gumby]

Thanks for the info...73,000 miles and counting.  May have hit a bump in the road though.  I now have a strange noise starting at 4000 rpms and up.  Time to call Nathan and see how bad is it!

[tmcgeesr]

I deal with a shop in Elijay, GA. called Apex Cycle. They have an ultrasonic cleaner and used on Bings all the time. They cleaned the carbs on both my R75/5 and R90/6. Makes all the difference. A real good idea for a bike that has been setting around for awhile.

Tim McGee 8-)

[Semper Gumby]

Hi TIM!!!  

Noise turned out to be the Reynolds centerstand bouncing off the RH Muffler bolt!!!!!  However my LH exhaust valve is closing up so its off to Boxerworks I go hi ho....