Carb cleaning dip it or not?

[belairbrian]

I've read lots of threads here about cleaning carbs, several make the comment that they soaked the carb overnight in a can/bucket of cleaner.

To be sure I went back to my shop manual (OEM) and it actually has a note that says do not use hot tanks and do not submerge the carb in carb cleaner. Also says to don't get carb cleaner on any plastic pieces.

So just curious is this note (from a late 80's manual) been outdated by changes in cleaner formulas?
Is it Johnson being overly cautious?
Or is it sound advice?

 

[TrueNorthist]

Re: Carb cleaning dip it or not?

I find "Carb and Choke" spray cleaner works well enough. Faster too. Compressed air is also essential when cleaning carbs. I am thinking they recommend not using a soak as some of the plastic parts cannot be removed from the carb?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Carb cleaning dip it or not?

Some carb cleaners can melt some plastic parts. If you can't get all the plastic off Don't soak it. Read the carb cleaner directions, most will say if they are safe for plastic. Most are not safe for plastic. I think it is sound advice.

 

[dehydrated]

Re: Carb cleaning dip it or not?

spray cleaner through all passages orffices follow up with compressed air wipe clean dry rag

 

[webrx]

Re: Carb cleaning dip it or not?

I started wrenching when I was 13, and that was way back in the early 70s, I have never dipped or soaked a carb. I take them apart, use carb cleaner, wire, compressed air, etc is all I have ever done. I am probably the minority, and there may be times when you should dip a carb especially if you cant get to all the small passages etc, but I have not run into one yet that I could not get clean enough with the above method, you just have to be willing to take it fully apart and put it back together - this may include replacing parts that are damaged in the process (like freeze plugs, o-rings, etc). I have also found, and you can test this yourself, that even with carb cleaner, if you add a little rubbing or scrubbing it will get off more dirt, gunk and old fuel then just spraying or dipping will.

Dave