denatured alcohol for a carb soaking?

[magnumdust]

I picked up a holley 750 on ebay that's in need of a rebuild and its looking like i'm gonna need to soak some parts.

Can i use a generic can of denatured alcohol for soaking parts or is there a specific carb fluid i need?

(On my last edelbrock rebuild i used just carb cleaner sprayed into a bowl, but the holley has bigger parts and will need more for soaking)

 

[805moparkid]

well they make carb dip but its like 60 bucks a gallon now... stupid... i used acetone with decent luck...

 

[mopardude318]

Number 8 synthetic thinner....holy cow that'll kill anything....its hard to get though...

 

[HotLines]

an UltraSonic cleaner and whatever solvent you choose though mine isn't as big as Jay Leno's, it cleans all my tools and parts. And to answer your question, most all solvents will work but the key is in the drying process

 

[67Dart273]

You need something that will "cut" heavy gum and varnish, down in them thar deep tiny little passages. I've used Acetone. and MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) !!!LOL!!! back in the early 70's when I just THOUGHT carb cleaner was high!!!

In my opinion, Alky won't do squat, unless it's in an ultrasonic cleaner

IF the carb is not horridly dirty, you can "use less", maybe something like this:

A small can of paint thinner/ acetone, in a pan, brush. NO smoking, WELL ventilated!!!

Then use one or two pressurized cans of carb cleaner WITH safety!!! goggles!!! to blow out all passages, and to "spray off" any left behind dirt in and outside the carb.

But if you have an old carb with yards of gum and crap in and out, you need something you can soak it in.

 

[Reddartowner]

I use Coleman lantern fuel to clean most of my parts. Cuts even heavy grease and leaves no residue. I've actually used it to clean out the primary circuits on motorcycle carbs by running the bike on it (in place, not being driven). It's basically very pure low octane gasoline.

 

[LS-300]

Sound strange but actually works. Mix a 25% Pinesol / water mix and soak the parts. The Pinesol need to be the original formula with the pine oil in it. You can soak overnight or leave for a couple of days. The nice thing is it's non toxic and will not harm plastic or rubber parts of the carb. If you want you can make a cheap ultra sonic cleaner by mounting a palm sander to a metal or plastic container. YES it sounds strange but it works!

 

[oldkimmer]

..........So would evapo-rust work as a carb cleaner...........thanks......kim.....