A different opinion:
Personally, I have NEVER liked the chemical cleaners, even 50 years ago when they were much stronger. Near choked to death on fumes from using on aluminum carb bodies.
Maybe 15 (maybe 20 - time flies faster daily) years ago, a good friend also in the carburetor business recommended I purchase an ultrasonic cleaner.
At the time, these things were EXPENSIVE!!! So, like a dummy, I opted to pay $600. for one made on the other side of the world from an ebay vendor. It was sufficiently large to submerge a Carter AFB 4-barrel, Plugged it in, and put in a liberal concentration of a very exotic cleanser (Dawn dishwater soap). Did a REALLY nice job. Cleaned a second carb, same results. Put in the third carb and the cleaner died! No warranty, no return.
So, armed with the above results, I set out to find one made in the USA. Found one made in Ohio. By the time I added the various options to the unit (variable heat control, variable wave intensity, etc.), the unit was up around $5 k. Purchased the unit. Still runs well, still cleans well. PAID FOR ITSELF EASILY IN THE FIRST 6 MONTHS!
Now, I realize a hobbyist cannot justify the purchase of an ultrasonic cleaner to clean one carburetor (unless one is independently wealthy
). So started experimenting to see what I could recommend to enthusiasts. The answer is a 3 pound metal coffee can! Place the castings in the can and cover with water. Add the detergent of your choice. Simple Green or Purple Power work somewhat better than Dawn, but Dawn works. BOIL the concoction for some time to be determined. You aren't going to hurt anything. You may have to change the water/detergent on a really dirty carb.
The roiling action of the bubbles created by boiling approximates the ultrasonic action; not as well but certainly cheaper.
If you do decide to buy an ultrasonic cleaner, learn from my lesson. Doesn't matter how cheap it is, even if given to you, if it doesn't work!
Finally, if you are going to use the chemical cleaners on aluminum bodies, DO IT OUTSIDE, AND WEAR A MASK!!!!!! My customer base is aging, do not wish to lose a customer to chemicals
Jon.
