Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

[cptbraine40]

IBoat Experts,

Probably a dumb question but I must ask. I am rebuilding my Mercarb and was wanting to know the best solution or method for soaking this carb in? I noticed some hard white materal in the float bowl (some damage from water getting into the fuel system). I have already fixed that problem with a fuel/water filter, all new fuel lines, clean and empty fuel tank, and I also put more than enough fuel additive to fresh fuel in the system before winterizing.

I have read anything from vinegar, coke, paint thinner, and so on! My biggest concern is getting rid of the white materal that is like concrete in my carb. I just want to make sure that my carb is nice and clean without damage. I also know that I will dissemble to carb all the way down and remove everything not metal.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[ziggy]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

i don't have a mercarb. but a 2gc.
i soaked it in berrymans carb cleaner. then used compressed air to blow it dry and clear out the small passages in the carb.
mine was kinda dirty so it got cleaned 2 times. also, if i remember correctly. i used soap and water to finish off the cleaning. then some more compressed air. i also used a toothbrush with both the berrymans and the soapy water.
this worked well for me...

fwiw, i got my berrymans from my local auto parts store...

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

+1 used Gunk Carb-Medic. Comes with a nice little parts tray.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

I used the NAPA carb dip cleaner. I was unsure at first with the "new" formula but it actually works very well.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

The hard white stuff is zinc phosphate. It is the oxidized remains of the magnesium in the carb. It takes a strong acid to dissolve it, which of course, also destroys metal. Some carbs are rendered useless if the oxidation is severe enough.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

Vinegar....laugh if you will but its rock solid and eat's away almost anything.

https://www.google.com/search?q=car...3&espv=210&q=cleaning+carburetor+with+vinegar

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

Yep...vinegar will dissolve phosphates and most oxidation. It has a pH of around 2.5 to 4.

You can also try a product made by CRC called Freeze Off! Amazing stuff. Makes corrosion its whipping boy.

 

[Boatdoc58]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

After going through that I have found that the large ultrasonic cleaner, available from Harbor Freight, does an amazing job of making the carbs look new as well as get all the microscopic pieces of junk out of the carbs. It heats to 140 degrees also. I use 10% vinegar, 2 tablespoons of ammonia and distilled water. At 2.5 litres it is deep enough for the carb parts to fit. Run it for 5 minutes to let the ammonia vapors dissappear and then put thecarb in , set the timer for 4 or 5 minutes and walk away. You will be amazed at how much more junk comes out of the carb.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

Not sure about this but it seems to me that if you mix vinegar, an acid, with ammonia, a base don't they kind of cancel each other out? Sorta make your solution kinda Ph neutral?

Anyway I've had good luck with Gunk brand carb soak.

 

[Boatdoc58]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

I am not a chemist...I just know it works VERY well......

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

Any acid will certainly clean metal, but it also dissolves metal! I would be extremely careful soaking a carb in acid of any sort - including vinegar.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

Any acid will certainly clean metal, but it also dissolves metal! I would be extremely careful soaking a carb in acid of any sort - including vinegar.

Agreed after a 8 hour bath or soak rinse with baking soda

 

[cptbraine40]

Re: Best solution/method for soaking Mercarb

Wow, thank you so much for all the responses...........I really do appreciate it.