Best Carburator Cleaner

[Old Fart]

It's been awhile since I've cleaned a carburetor. I'm re-doing the carbs on my Arctic Cat and would like to know what the best cleaner is for dipping the parts overnight and where to get it. Is this stuff even available these days? Thanks!

[ZR]

Anything I've found out there these days is neutered of what ever ingredient it took to work so well and does little to nothing beyond stink. If it's only moderately bad, tooth brush or similar and couple cans of brake cleans. If it's got appreciable build up, remove anything plastic then soak in lacquer thinners (in a sealed tin can or similar / evaporates super quick in an open dish plus fire hazard) + lightly brush worst spots, rinse with super hot water / blow dry.
My rule of thumb with previous carb'd sleds, no matter how good they look, throw away pilot and main jets n replace with new OEM only. Given how precise they are, even the smallest amount of build up could see the engine to lean, even a drill bit run through extra gently could increase size enough it'll go rich. Cheap to replace.

[Old Fart]

Thanks Rick!!

[ZR]

Got yer back brother.

[ZR]

Snowing up your way yet? ;)

[Old Fart]

No way!!! Still nice weather calling for 21C next 2 days!!

[ZR]

Won't be long.

[Old Fart]

I'm betting on December 15th!

[ZR]

With any luck a decent weather in the works.

[redo75]

A trick we used in old days. Take it apart and put in a old pot fill it with MR. CLEAN. Hope it is the same stuff as we had in the 70's.Bring to a boil for 15 minutes. Rinse with water and put it back on. Don't let wifey see you doing this!!

[ZR]

^ Never heard of doing that, cool.

[Old Fart]

I've read people using pinesol...:rolleyes:

[ZR]

Just have to wonder if it has enough bite to clean the tough stuff.
Old School carb cleaner, warmed then agitated (back in the day we had an air powered agitator on the carb cleaning drum plus a heater), not much it wouldn't take off. Fumes would almost kill ya though.

[redo75]

Well, if you don't like my MR. Clean trick, I would try boiling the carb with some of the Aluminum friendly cleaners that are available.

[ZR]

Not doubting your word on it, never too old to learn a new trick.