Not recommended for all the reasons stated above, and the fact that you will remove any finish the carburetor has left. Buy the gallon can of carb cleaner and place the disassembled carb in it to soak overnight, at least. Then take a nylon brush with stiff bristles (the GI toothbrush for cleaning guns is what I use) and start scrubbing. Scrub some, soak it again, and continue until it's clean.
