bball7754 Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I'm in the process of doing a "rebuild" on the Weber's on my Crossflow. I've found a carb shop that will clean the bodies, covers, etc. using an Ultrasonic cleaner. My web research indicates that it's a pretty common method these days for cleaning carbs, but I remember stumbling on a post somewhere (that I can't find again) that said it was bad for the bearings. I asked the owner of the carb shop about the bearings, and he said it wasn't an issue. They only use soap and water in the Ultrasonic cleaner. Anyone have any experience with this type of cleaning for carbs? Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHKflyer52 Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Hi Steve, Ultrasonic cleaning is what I used when I cleaned and rebuild my Weber Down draft crab for my car and it worked very well. I don't think it hurt the bronze bearings that the butterfly valve shaft runs on at all and I actually used a parts cleaner solvent when I did mine. I purchased an Ultrasonic cleaner from Harbor Freight to use to clean small parts and it works fine so far. I do not know if it would affect oil brass by removing the oil from the brass but those bushings are normally replaced when a complete rebuild is done as that is where a lot of the wear and slop is in a Weber crab to start with, at least that is what I have found. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bball7754 Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 Martin - Just the kind of info I was looking for. I'm really only replacing gaskets, O-rings, float pin. No slop in the bearings/shaft, so I won't be touching those. Were you able to use the Harbor Freight Ultrasonic cleaner for the carb body of your down draft, or did you just use it for the jets, etc.? Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Steve, Thought I'd throw in my limited experience with an ultrasonic cleaner. A few years back I brought a couple sets of SU carbs to work to clean in an ultrasonic cleaner. They were completely disassembled and I didn't keep them in the solution for more than maybe 45-60 minutes, but they cleaned up great. Sorry I don't remember what type of cleaning fluid we used but I seem to remember it was similar to Simple Green as far as how aggressive it was. Bruce :7drive: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powderbrake Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Steve: I have an ultrasonic cleaner that I use to clean handguns. I put a $1000+ Colt Gold Cup National Match 45 in it, and have had no problems. I use a soap solution, and subsequently use a oil coat to protect the metal. I would not expect any problem with the carb parts. You are always welcome to use my cleaner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bball7754 Posted February 11, 2009 Author Share Posted February 11, 2009 Jerry - Thanks for the offer. Is your cleaner large enough to do a carb body? It measures approx. 7"x6"x5". Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powderbrake Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Steve: yes it will fit, give me a call if you want to do it. 602-5666 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparecr Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 We have a couple of big ultrasonic cleaners here at work. Use them for about everything. Soap/water mix with a biodegradable chemical additive. for the dozens of carbs etc. that have been run through them we have had no problems. The bearing issue is some believe that with the ultrasonic you will cause the bearings to vibrate for an extended period of time basically in the same place. Like I say about everything in restoration, ask my advice, tell me what you want to hear and I will bias it that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHKflyer52 Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Martin - Just the kind of info I was looking for. I'm really only replacing gaskets, O-rings, float pin. No slop in the bearings/shaft, so I won't be touching those. Were you able to use the Harbor Freight Ultrasonic cleaner for the carb body of your down draft, or did you just use it for the jets, etc.? Steve Hi Steve, Here is the unit I purchased and it works well on a lot of things. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91957 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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