What is a good way to clean out a carb?

Ok so I have the carb all taken apart and it is disgusting inside I've heard of soaking it in diesel fuel but what other ways are there to soak the carb in to get it clean?

if you have access to a parts washer then put it in something and let it soak. If not use carb cleaner in an aerosol can and a pan. Use compressed air if you have it and blow it out. Be careful not to blow the needle seat out and lose it.

Get some carb cleaner, paper towels, wire and a old bucket with a paint brush and some gas or kerosene in it.

You can use a torch tip cleaner set to help clean out the jets and the passageways. A small brass wire brush works well for the larger surfaces.

slim67 wrote:

if you have access to a parts washer then put it in something and let it soak. If not use carb cleaner in an aerosol can and a pan. Use compressed air if you have it and blow it out. Be careful not to blow the needle seat out and lose it.

This would work but I don't have access to a parts washer or compressed air

T-Dub13 wrote:

You can use a torch tip cleaner set to help clean out the jets and the passageways.  A small brass wire brush works well for the larger surfaces.  

I don't have any of those things, what else would work?

Craftsman1998 wrote:

Get some carb cleaner, paper towels, wire and a old bucket with a paint brush and some gas or kerosene in it.

Do you have any of these items that are mentioned here?

slim67 wrote:

Craftsman1998 wrote:

Get some carb cleaner, paper towels, wire and a old bucket with a paint brush and some gas or kerosene in it.

Do you have any of these items that are mentioned here?

Yes, I have them all

Then try that thats how i clean my carbs

Take one of those paper or plastic covered wire ties you use for garbage bags, and strip the paper or plastic off. Gives you a good bit of wire to work with.

Doc Sprocket wrote:

Take one of those paper or plastic covered wire ties you use for garbage bags, and strip the paper or plastic off. Gives you a good bit of wire to work with.

Thats a good idea, thanks for the tip Doc

I've done that as well

You can get torch tip cleaners at Home Depot, TSC or anywhere that sells welding equipment.  Small wire brushes are everywhere, hardware store etc..  Just make sure you get a wood handle or a plastic one may melt depending on the cleaner you use (solvent etc).  Doc's twist-tie idea is a great one.  I've used random pieces of wire in a pinch.  Also, I like scotch-brite pads for putting a nice finish on metal, cleans out the bowl nicely.   

When I'm restoring a vintage motorcycle carb, I disassemble it and put all parts in a bath of Pine-Sol for a day. DO NOT PUT IN THE STEEP PARTS THOUGH! You will be amazed at the new looking carb that comes out. Soak longer for really badly stained and caked components.     

Soakin in Pine sol is one of the ones I've heard but never tried

I soak mine in white vinegar overnight and then I use a bread tie to finish clean it.

this may sound strange, but i boil all my carbs both on lawn tractor carbs, full sized tractor carbs and car carbs.

STEPS:

1. empty all gas from the carb

2. Seperate bowl, and float assembly (upper carb for updrafts and opp. twin engines)

3. get a pot and add water

4. add a spoonful of lemon juice and bring to a boil

5. place carb in boiling water ( NOT FLOAT and ASSEMBLY THIS IS IMPORTANT) and let sit there for 20-30 minutes

6. take carb out and let it cool

7. Season to taste and Vwala! a Carb De Cleanest with a side of gunk water   

ANYWAY... boiling the carb sxpands the metal and cleans every nook and cranny. The water will be dark brown to black by the time its done. be sure to dry and wipe down with gas so nno rust froms on steel parts

Cubhorse80 wrote:

this may sound strange, but i boil all my carbs both on lawn tractor carbs, full sized tractor carbs and car carbs.

STEPS:

1. empty all gas from the carb

2. Seperate bowl, and float assembly (upper carb for updrafts and opp. twin engines)

3. get a pot and add water

4. add a spoonful of lemon juice and bring to a boil

5. place carb in boiling water ( NOT FLOAT and ASSEMBLY THIS IS IMPORTANT) and let sit there for 20-30 minutes

6. take carb out and let it cool

7. Season to taste and Vwala! a Carb De Cleanest with a side of gunk water   

ANYWAY... boiling the carb sxpands the metal and cleans every nook and cranny. The water will be dark brown to black by the time its done. be sure to dry and wipe down with gas so nno rust froms on steel parts

Thanks for the tip, right now I have it soaking in a bucket of diesel fuel and I'll see how this works and if it doesnt clean it then I will use your method

ive never came across anything better than boiling.   and its easy too

Since you dont have air If I were you I would swish it all around in CLEAN gas. Or buy a rebuild kit on ebay.

you can use jet dry in the water... it's a great degreaser