Carb Restoration In A Nutshell

[mohawk]

not sure if this is the place to post this, i didnt see a tech forum (then again, its early in the morning ugghhh).
but i got a lot of emails on how i do my carbs so i wrote a real quick summary.
i hold no liability to what you do your carb, nor do i claim to be an expert. but i have a couple hundred carb jobs under my belt, so i have a little knowledge

normal carb dip solution usually does a fair job at it, but never quite gives it that new look. sometimes dipping it, then using solvent makes a nice difference. but in order to get that desired results that i do, you need to use aluminum cleaning acid. the best stuff ive found is called "zep-a-lume".
its very potent, and very delicate. if you leave it on too long, it will blacken some aluminum. results will always depend on the finish and cast of the aluminum so you always have to do a test spot before you continue or you may regret it.and NEVER use it on plastic bowls, gaskets, or rubber components.
mothers wont do too much on carbs because of the rough finish. it works better on the bowls, because they have more of a smoother finish. to get in those nooks and crannies, you need small polishing brushes, combined with one of the solutions like i use, to get the job done right.
i do restore carbs here at the shop, at a price. its not too expensive depending on the carb. in rare cases, some are just too far gone for help.
lemme know if ya got more questions.
have a good one and feel free to post more tips this on a topic.


first pics are of the dual throat 40mm Weber carbs on my 1971 Harley. i went full out polish crazy on it since she is my baby and ya, thats me with beer in hand so ya all can see how ugleeee i am !
other pics are of the recent Mikuni 34mm i did for the 125 Tiger, and another pic of a 185s / 200s Honda carb i did the other day (which is for sale. it is about as perfect to new looking as you will ever see, i didnt show the inside but it is flawless like new as well).

[kb200x]

not sure if this is the place to post this, i didnt see a tech forum (then again, its early in the morning ugghhh).
but i got a lot of emails on how i do my carbs so i wrote a real quick summary.
i hold no liability to what you do your carb, nor do i claim to be an expert. but i have a couple hundred carb jobs under my belt, so i have a little knowledge

normal carb dip solution usually does a fair job at it, but never quite gives it that new look. sometimes dipping it, then using solvent makes a nice difference. but in order to get that desired results that i do, you need to use aluminum cleaning acid. the best stuff ive found is called "zep-a-lume".
its very potent, and very delicate. if you leave it on too long, it will blacken some aluminum. results will always depend on the finish and cast of the aluminum so you always have to do a test spot before you continue or you may regret it.and NEVER use it on plastic bowls, gaskets, or rubber components.
mothers wont do too much on carbs because of the rough finish. it works better on the bowls, because they have more of a smoother finish. to get in those nooks and crannies, you need small polishing brushes, combined with one of the solutions like i use, to get the job done right.
i do restore carbs here at the shop, at a price. its not too expensive depending on the carb. in rare cases, some are just too far gone for help.
lemme know if ya got more questions.
have a good one and feel free to post more tips this on a topic.

Where can you get aluminum cleaning acid "zep-a-lume".?

[mohawk]

we get it from one of our friends that works at the iron ore mines. they order it from an industrial supply place. so i suggest checking the phone book for local supplies places and see what you find. or, do a google on it and try and find it but i doubt if its shippable to a non business because of the hazardous material laws.
otherwise like i said, i do em here for a fee
good luck

[mohawk]

[PowerTech]

i went down the the hardwear store this morning and got a squirt bottle of some stuff called "coil clean" it is a airconditioner coil cleaner . phosphoric acid based .i dumped it all out in a plastic bucket and scrubed it for a hour with a grey 3M pad it came out prety good. not nice and bright new aluminum looking like the ones above . mine came out more shiny looking. mohawks look better to me.

it's good engough though , i am giving up.

i did soak it is a bucked of carb dip the one with the basket for a hour first thing this morining.

i need to get this dang bike done. and stop farting around.

this weekend i will get the motor built, new rings ,seals , water pump seal if it ever gets hear. paint , and bolt it back in the frame.

i finaly have one of those 250r's that people drool over.

[mohawk]

hey got any pics of the carb? pm them to me, id like to see it and maybe help ya out a little on it.
thanks
john

[jaykup]

Where can you get aluminum cleaning acid "zep-a-lume".?

I called up Zep, the makers of Zep-A-Lume (1-877-428-9937), gave them my address, and a bottle is on the way!

Here is how they do it.

Call them up
Request a bottle
Give your Address, Name, Phone #...
They send out a rep to go over some safty sheets with you (probably MSDS) because it contains Hydrochloric Acid.
Then you buy what you want!

This stuff sells for 11.78 a gallon, and there is a minimum of $35 dollars to buy. (about 3 Gallons for 37.11 with tax)

I should be getting mine soon

[super90]

I need some of that stuff for my X carb, that thing is CAKED in who knows what. The engine could possible use some too since there was a major oil leak for along time before i owned it.

[Erics350x]

anyone ever try muratic acid (sp?) ?