Ultrasonic cleaning.

[Guineafowl]

Don't mention WD40!

Carb cleaner always gets used up for cleaning stuff or starting engines so I never have any about.

I always have WD40, so that’s what gets used. If it doesn’t work on stuck bolts, then out comes the oxypropane.

Sensitive readers can substitute ‘WD40’ for whatever libation they offer up to the gods

 

[ajlelectronics]

always have WD40, so that’s what gets used. If it doesn’t work on stuck bolts

But that's a given, for the original, universal version. That is why I hate that so many people have been taken in by the marketing, even though it is only one step up from water in capability.

 

[roofman]

But that's a given, for the original, universal version. That is why I hate that so many people have been taken in by the marketing, even though it is only one step up from water in capability.

Todays WD40 has very limited uses, sprayed on ignition parts it attracts water...has no place at all in removing stuck and binding bolts and nuts and just gets the spanner and sockets to slip on the heads. Great stuff for removing tar stains and cleaning the bench top

 

[dobbslc]

How long do these machines take to warm up? I'm thinking about getting one, but I don't want to leave it going while I'm not there. I'm at the shed for about three hours - is that enough time for it to warm up enough to be effective, and then to clean a carb? I know it'll vary depending on the size of carb - the ones I'm thinking of are Dellorto twin-chokes, about the same size as a Weber.

I had a 10 liter one that I used to clean a set of carbs off a Lotus Excel, I had to turn them over half way through as they don't fit otherwise.
It took ages to warm up.

Mikuni bst36ss...worst carbs ever for getting them right, they are always for sale on ebay when lads give up on them. tell your dad the only real way to fix is buy a complete rebuild kit and they will come good.

I'm assuming they are the same as the ones on a GSXR400? I had lots of fun with a couple of those years ago, the GSXR600 ones were no better, cheap plastic parts that break if touched!

 

[roofman]

I had a 10 liter one that I used to clean a set of carbs off a Lotus Excel, I had to turn them over half way through as they don't fit otherwise.
It took ages to warm up.



I'm assuming they are the same as the ones on a GSXR400? I had lots of fun with a couple of those years ago, the GSXR600 ones were no better, cheap plastic parts that break if touched!

Horrible carbs mate, the float heights are a pain to set and the float valves wear very fast and leak past, filling the bowls up.

 

[dobbslc]

The thing is I never have that much hassle with similar Mikuni carbs on a Yamaha

 

[roofman]

The thing is I never have that much hassle with similar Mikuni carbs on a Yamaha

another bad carb was fitted to the old TDM 850...terrible to set up too but fantastic bikes at the same time

 

[dobbslc]

another bad carb was fitted to the old TDM 850...terrible to set up too but fantastic bikes at the same time

I've got a TRX.

After a year of no riding




Then a disconnect coolant pipe dribbled into the inlet tract



Luckily it didn't seem to get into the engine and after a carb clean (without my ultrasonic cleaner as it broke) the bike runs well again.

 

[roofman]

I've got a TRX.
View attachment 514109
After a year of no riding
View attachment 514111

View attachment 514110

Then a disconnect coolant pipe dribbled into the inlet tract

View attachment 514108

Luckily it didn't seem to get into the engine and after a carb clean (without my ultrasonic cleaner as it broke) the bike runs well again.

lucky to pull that back...great motors them twins arnt they.

 

[dobbslc]

Yes especially with a pair of carbon fibre Remus GP cans on it.

 

[Guineafowl]

Don't mention WD40!

Ah, I see what you mean

But that's a given, for the original, universal version. That is why I hate that so many people have been taken in by the marketing, even though it is only one step up from water in capability.

Todays WD40 has very limited uses, sprayed on ignition parts it attracts water...has no place at all in removing stuck and binding bolts and nuts and just gets the spanner and sockets to slip on the heads. Great stuff for removing tar stains and cleaning the bench top

Which one(s) would you recommend? Road salt country up here, so I’m always interested.

Already tried: GT-85, Plus Gas, ATF/acetone. Hard to do a controlled trial but nothing seems to work until you get the thing budging back and forth a bit, and nothing beats oxypropane (and sometimes a candle stub).

 

[ajlelectronics]

Already tried: GT-85, Plus Gas, ATF/acetone.

Those in reverse order, from the tests that I have seen and personal experience. The ATF/Acetone is so good that I have a jar of it labelled "Magic Potion"!

Hard to do a controlled trial but nothing seems to work until you get the thing budging back and forth a bit.

You are absolutely right, until it it is cracked just a smidge, nothing can get in to help. The Acetone tends to allow it to get into the tiny fissures and leaves the ATF film behind as it evaporates. Application is also more controlled with an artist's paintbrush, rather than sprayed willy nilly. I wouldn't use anything else now.

 

[roofman]

Personly heat never fails me...either get the oxy/propane out but 9 times outer 10 a mapp gas bottle with the surefire torch works perfect on anything stubbon...get it free then after its cooled use the fluids to not ruin threads.

 

[Keithmac]

another bad carb was fitted to the old TDM 850...terrible to set up too but fantastic bikes at the same time

Ducati Monsters have the same carbs too, had plenty of dealings with those. A few very well hidden jets that can easily be overlooked.

 

[RichardM]

lucky to pull that back...great motors them twins arnt they.

Unless they are the ones with soft valve seats.