Cleaning carb housing

[Ben Friedl]

Greetings from Greece,

Since I figure about 85% of any restoration is cleaning. Especially if you've acquired a "paddock bomb" like myself. Can anyone give me a few tips on cleaning the carburetor housing and the cast aluminium without resorting to bead blasting. I've tried carb cleaning solutions that get the crud and gum off, but they just don't give it that shiny new look.

Many thanks
Ben

[Mark Huggett]

Hi Ben.
Becareful with chemicals as they tend to pentrate the zinc casting, and if you don't neutralise the casting properly using lots of water, you will find a continuous white powdery oxidation taking place. If you have the possibilty of blasting, try using crushed walnut shells. Other than than, ultrasonic bath and good old fashioned plastic pot cleaners like scotch-brite. Originally the carbs were never shiney. If you polish them up, the dull very quickly and need continuous polishing.

Best regards,

Mark
Mark Huggett GmbH

[Mark Huggett]

Hi Ben.
Be careful with chemicals as they tend to penetrate the zinc casting, and if you
don't neutralise the casting properly using lots of water, you will find a
continuous white powdery oxidation taking place. If you have the possibilty of
blasting, try using crushed walnut shells. Other than that, ultrasonic bath and
good old fashioned plastic pot cleaners like scotch-brite. Originally the carbs
were never shiney. If you polish them up, they dull very quickly and need
continuous polishing.

Best regards,

Mark
Mark Huggett GmbH