Abused Carbs - Advice Welcome

[AlfaLofa]

I have a pair of carbs which have been seriously abused.

I reckon that they must have spent at least 10 years (probably nearer 25) open to the elements.

Consequently I am having great difficulty in removing any of the screws (brass or otherwise) from the aluminium carb bodies.

I've obviously tried the usual "freeing" agents - but no heat (yet).

Before I resort to heat I think I will completely immerse the carbs in a suitable liquid - with the hope that the liquid will penetrate the threads.

But which liquid should I use? Petrol, thinners or what???

[rgh0]

A 50:50 mix of acetone and automatic transmission fluid appears to the favourite home mix. I would also try warming the casing gently with a hot air gun and then spraying the screws with Loctite "freeze and release" spray

cheers
Rohan

[Elanconvert]

Steve..I'm not an expert, but have you considered utrasonic cleaning as a starter? [quite inexpensive and very effective]....usually done when components are disassembled though...
I suspect the casting has corroded as a result of electrolytic reaction with brass?
I've no doubt someone on here [rohan maybe] will point you in the right direction!!

fred

[robertverhey]

Your post put me in mind of a discussion a few years back on th excel forum, where owners (self included) struggle with the removal of steering pipes where they enter the rack. Dissimilar metals, fully exposed to the elements. One successful measure was something called a "hot oil bath"..... Which is a formidable challenge with something as large as a steering rack, but might be manageable with a weber body.... Large pan, motor oil, low heat for several hours maybe even a few days, maybe in heating /cooling cycles...

Might be worth a try

[AlfaLofa]

Thank you for your replies - I think I'll try the cheapest option first

I've just ordered some acetone and automatic transmission fluid via ebay.

A good soaking can only be beneficial whatever the outcome.

And if the screws still won't shift I've still got heat in reserve.

[AHM]

I had the same thing - Mouse droppings and nuts in the inlets, everything seized solid.

Cut the top off a 5l plastic bottle.
I submerged in Petrol and lots of Redex

Everything came undone - I don't recall using any heat.

[AlfaLofa]

Poor mice losing their nuts.

As I have a pair of carbs perhaps I'll try AHM's petrol and Redex on one carb and Rohan's mixture on the other!!

[twincamman]

I use straight diesel fuel to free frozen anything ....works a treat ...Ed

[KevJ+2]

Yep, red diesel (keeping it cheap ) kerosene is also good (and cheap)
Kev.

[silverlink]

Talking of mice and carbs, this is what I found when I took my airbox off!!!

Ian

[twincamman]

loose nuts ?.lock tite needed there ..ed

[mbell]

Could be worse could have nests not nuts in your carbs, mine did!