Carb cleaner?

[blyth24]

I wanted to give my carbs a bit of a clean on my ST but didn't want to remove them. Is there a product available (such as a fuel treatment/additive) that would give them a bloody good flush through. Any recommendations would be great... Marc.

[london calling]

Don't know of anthing you can use without removing the carbs.
I always get mine stripped and ultra-sonically cleaned at Twiggers M/C's,Loughborough.TEL:01509 263967 and ask for Mark.
They're doing a set of ST carbs for me next week

[Pigford]

Yeah, I'd have thought you'd be wasting your time ( & cash) on those additive things

Only sure way is to remove, & do a PROPER JOB

Lemon cleans the outside nicely

[Surfdeneige]

Redex works wonders if your jets aren't totally blocked. They will break down small bits and bobs like mouldy old fuel that is blocking up jet holes from sitting. Worth a try as it is only about ?5 a bottle. Worked on a few occassions with me after buying something that had sat for a few years.

[AndyZ1R]

Personally i wouldn`t use Redex or any valve cleaning type additives on an old engine, as they then tend to rattle like buggery and develop oil leaks start smoking etc. Usually it`s the shit in them that`s keep all the tolerances ok and stopping oil leaks, depends on the mileage and engine condition of course.
You can buy a carb cleaner aerosol that is specifically for carbs that you spray in when its running, although it may have similar effects to Redex, but maybe worth a try first.

[Taffus]

had similar problems on my kettle. tried redex etc but don't waste your money. Had to strip them, boil in lemon juice and refurbish with keyster kits. Now runs like a bird!
Mark

[Steve S]

How did the Lemon juice bring them up?....finish wise not flavour!?
never used it before...well except on pancakes

[blyth24]

Thanks guys for all your comments - you're right pigford, think I will get the old boy seen to proper in the late autumn and maybe also look at replacing rings etc...

[Garn 1]

Tried the lemon juice ... My opinion ~ Waste of time! I'm begining to think, kero and degreaser, small hand brush (just bigger than a tooth brush) and a lot of time.
RegardZ.

[Garn 1]

Further to above. I have not yet tried RedeX. However, as it is compatable with petrol, it may dissolve the outside stains common to carbs. Noting that my comments mainly refer to cleaning the carbs on the outide, I have no trouble cleaning the internals (Perhaps I have some difficulty with some carby fuel bowls).
RegardZ

[Rich]

Cellulose thinners removes old petrol stains

[Z1_Kerry]

To clean the carb bodies so they come up like they are new, use Methylene Chloride. Buy 4 litres and soak your carbs in it. Heat it slightly, not too hot though, for best results and DONT breathe in the vapours. Use in a ventilated area. A 4 litre paint tin is an ideal cleaning tub. Works an absolute treat guaranteed.

[sidy]

G'Day,

The best thing you can do is pull them off (<20 minutes effort), strip them and clean them with an air gun. Its a good time to put a new kit through them and then do a re-sync. The kit will reduce fuel leaks and the re-sync will get it back in tune.

I went one step furthur and had mine vapour blasted back to brand new then used a marine clear to recoat them. I have some pictures on my web site.

[Steve S]

Great web sight and pictures Sid,nice work.

Steve

[MaineKZ]

Kerrycbx
That Methylene Chloride sounds like one bad mo-fo!!
Where can I buy that shit?
I had my last set of carbs vapoured. Beautiful finish, but took best part of a day to flush out all the abrasive media!!