The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Clean and brighten carburetor bodies

Q. I restore carburetors for classic cars and currently strip the old dichromate finish by beadblasting. Is there any chemical process I can use instead of beadblasting? Also , after beadblasting I boil the casting in a caustic soda ⇦liquid caustic soda in bulk on Amazon [affil link] solution for cleaning. I have to bead blast the casting again to remove any caustic residue or else the new coloring doesn't appear uniform, any rinse solution I can use to neutralize the caustic?

Craig Bartling
1998

Q. To Craig Bartling or anyone else out there who would know the answer to this question. I would like to know the chemical process for recoloring carburetors to the original yellow dichromate finish and would it be chemically harmful?

John Just
- Canada
2001

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Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors :-)

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Dip Clean For Old Aluminium Carbs

Q. Can any one advise on a formula or product to dip aluminium carbs in to clean, I don't want a polished finish just a natural colour.

Thanks! John Wallett
- Ely, Cambs, England.
2002

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Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors :-)

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Cleaning zamak carburetors

Q. Hello,

I am rebuilding a motorbike. The carburetors are in Zamak and are very dirty internally and very oxidized externally. How can I clean them. Which chemical product can I use ? Looking forward to your answer I thank you in advance.

Sincerely yours,

LEBOEUF Alain
- Asnieres, Hauts de Seine, FRANCE
2002

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Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors :-)

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All efforts at refinishing carburetor just make it worse

Q. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF RESTORING A (NOS) NEW OLD STOCK CARTER AFB CARBURETOR THAT HAS BEEN WEATHERED.

ALTHOUGH MOST OF THE GOLD CAD AND SILVER ZINC PARTS ARE NEAR NEW, THE ALUMINUM BODY IS LOOKING ROUGH. THERE IS A BIT OF A OFF-WHITE SCALE AND THE ALUMINUM IS VERY DARK AND STAINED FROM BEING STORED IN A DAMP/HUMID PLACE.

I HAVE TRIED A MIXTURE OF MURIATIC ACID AND WATER ON SOME OTHER OLD CARTER CARBURETOR, AS SOON AS I SUBMERGE THE PART IT STARTS TO SMOKE,BOIL,BUBBLE EVEN AFTER 5 SECONDS FOLLOWED BY A WATER RINSE IT SEEMS TO BURN/DARKEN THE PART, I HAVE ALSO TRIED GLASS BEAD, ALUMINUM OXIDE CABINET BLASTING, IT CLEANS THE PART TO A BRIGHT ALUMINUM FINISH, IT IS TO NICE COMPARED TO THE ORIGINAL FINISH, IT SEEMS A LITTLE DARKER, AND MAYBE THE ORIGINALS WHERE RUN THROUGH A SORT OF MASS POLISHING SYSTEM WITH STEEL OR CERAMIC MEDIA,

ANYWAY I AM LOOKING FOR A MAGIC LIQUID TO REMOVE THE CORROSION AND STAINS.

THANX,

MOE BLACKBURN
COATINGS - BONNYVILLE, ALBERTA, CANADA
2003

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Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors :-)

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Cleaning die cast carburetors

Q. I would like advice on the most economical way to clean the surfaces of old carburetors. I think they are die cast. I recall that a product called Fenole or Fenile was used but can't be sure. I was hoping to find a soaking solution, and if possible something that is environmentally friendly.

Bob Duffy
Duffy's Deuces - Kerkrade, The Netherlands
2003

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Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors :-)

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Q. I have 3 old Weber carburetors. How can I get a bright clean finish on them, without using something that will ruin the threads. They are aluminum, but I don't if they are an alloy.

Peter Gabriel
car buff - Douglaston, New York, U.S.A.
2005

Carburetor cleaning and refinishing has been a perennial subject. Please see also --