Cleaning a disassembled carburetor

[Papa's Cub]

I disassembled this carb about a week ago just to clean it up a bit before trying to start my Cub Annie Mae which hasn't ran in a few years, so, I wasn't really surprised at the dried up old gas deposits inside. I soaked it for a few days in acetone hoping this would do the job. Yesterday afternoon I removed it from the acetone and put it on the bench to dry, planning to reassemble it today. Well this morning I discovered after cleaning as best I could with a toothbrush that the orifices are stopped up with sort of a gum/tar material. What little of this material I could dig out looks like dried pine tree tar. The strand of copper wire I tried using just isn't strong enough to dig this material out. So ... my question is how have others moved beyond this dilemma? I have some guitar string that I could try. Would it cause any additional harm if I boiled it in water for a few minutes. Thanks in advance, Tom.

[Eugene]

I use Berryman's Carb cleaner, with basket. Basically, place disassembled carb parts in the basket. Let soak.

I have a gallon container that's probably 10 years old.

There are quite a number of carb cleaners available at your auto parts store. Ask the old guy at the auto parts store for his recommendation.

[Don McCombs]

IH Carburetor Rebuild Procedure.pdf

(265.54 KiB) Downloaded 373 times

[CapeCodCubs]

I use an ultrasonic cleaning machine and the carbs look amazing cleaned up.

[J3 Driver]

I use an ultrasonic cleaning machine and the carbs look amazing cleaned up.

This. But fill it up with Hopps gun cleaner.

[CapeCodCubs]

I use vinegar and dish soap

[Papa's Cub]

Thanks for all of the information. I'm one of those people who likes several options when seeking a solution to any task. Last night I disassembled it and removed the float, then boiled it in water and dawn dish detergent for about ten minutes. After it cooled I scrubbed it clean with a toothbrush and a combination of baking soda and detergent and used a piece of guitar string to clean the tubes and passages. I've adjusted the float and plan to mount it and adjust the governor rod today. With the expertise of the men on this forum I'm another step closer to hearing this new-to-me cub come back to life. Thanks Again, Tom.

[Stanton]

Thanks for all of the information. I'm one of those people who likes several options when seeking a solution to any task. Last night I disassembled it and removed the float, then boiled it in water and dawn dish detergent for about ten minutes. After it cooled I scrubbed it clean with a toothbrush and a combination of baking soda and detergent and used a piece of guitar string to clean the tubes and passages. I've adjusted the float and plan to mount it and adjust the governor rod today. With the expertise of the men on this forum I'm another step closer to hearing this new-to-me cub come back to life. Thanks Again, Tom.

Using guitar strings, having different gauges, is a good tip. Thanks.

Also, don't forget to refer to the Fuel section under the How To Forum for a lot of great info on carb repair and calibration. Located here:
http://www.farmallcub.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=139

[Jim Becker]

Using guitar strings, having different gauges, is a good tip.

Metal guitar strings are pretty stiff. They are OK in the basic passages. But I wouldn't use them in anything that is machined to a specific size (jet, metering tube, etc.). Stick with the copper wires.

[Stanton]

Using guitar strings, having different gauges, is a good tip.

Metal guitar strings are pretty stiff. They are OK in the basic passages. But I wouldn't use them in anything that is machined to a specific size (jet, metering tube, etc.). Stick with the copper wires.

You're right, they would be too stiff for that. I was thinking of an enlarged metering jet opening I was trying to size. Was searching around the shop for different sizes of wire to test fit into the opening, so I could use my calipers to measure the closest wire size. A set of guitar strings would have been nice for that. Sorry I didn't write what I was actually thinking.

Anyway, got the jet opening measured at 0.040", which is why my fuel mixture was too rich. Have a new jet now.