Making old carbs look new

G

Roy

Hey all. What are your recommendations for cleaining (or soaking) old weber IDF carbs to get them looking a lot newer? I will be rebuilding them and want to make them look as good as possible at the same time. Is aluminium pickling fluid suitable or is there something better?

Any little tips you might have would be appreciated. I've only used new carbs and crusty old holleys hidden under an air cleaner before.

Edit: also any links to online magazine articles etc you may have book marked would be appreciated too.
 
woodz428

Dave Wood

Lifetime Supporter
Everyone will likely have their own preference, mine is S100. It's sold through most bike shops, also known as "Total Cycle Cleaner". I have used it for nearly 20 years and find new benefits all the time. The most astonishing was the removal of surface rust, it's incredible. I usually get it in 5 liter( maybe 4) containers at about $35 US. Neutralizes with water and makes aluminum look new again. If I could buy it in 55 gallon drums, I would. JMO.
 
G

Roy

Hi Dave. Thanks for that, sounds good. I've found some for sale on NZs online auction site... MOTORBIKE CLEANING, PROTECTING AND POLISHING KIT for sale - TradeMe.co.nz - New Zealand Works out to some where around $20 US. Sounds pretty good to me. Although it's not in the 4-5 liter packs you mention it should be more than enough to clean up 4 IDFs and have more left over?

Also still interested in finding out what other people are using

Edit: I've always used autosol to polish my mags and stuff, it's great stuff. Do you think this S100 does pretty much the same as it? I'm sure I have a tube somewhere... lol. I don't have my carbs to try it out on yet but hopefully will have 2 of them next week.
 
G

Roy

That's a really good idea. I'll look into it. Might even look at buying a cleaner as it would be a very useful thing to have.
 
Big-Foot

Randy V

Moderator-Admin
Staff member
Admin
Lifetime Supporter
Must ensure that all plastic and rubber parts / seals are removed...

I used to buy Chem-Dip fluid from Berrymans that worked very well, but was also very expensive.. I switched over to just using lacquer Thinner or Acetone. A couple of gallons will last a long time.
I have a 5 gallon can of it and use a "Bubbler" coil of Steel 5/16" tubing with a good 100 small holes (1.5mm) holes drilled in it. Cap off the end of the line and an air-hose regulated down to 15 PSI connected to the other end. Seal up the top of the can with just a small vent at the top. Place it outside and let it bubble for a few hours. Parts come out looking like new.
The only difference I've found is that there is "something" in the Chem-Dip that does a better job if removing the carbon residue in the throats of the carbs than does the lacquer thinner or acetone.

Parts Cleaners

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R

Rick

You can also approach someone with a blasting cabinet, use either Walnut shells or glass beads on low pressure. Another product is the acid (blue) that is diluted and used at commercial Truck washes, it is used to clean the aluminum wheels and bare metal trailers. I got a quart of it and used it straight with a toothbrush, and washed it off quickly. The Berrymans product above is very good, but sometimes difficult to find. It has an odor you'll never forget. It will stay on you hands for days.
 
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