Remove carbon deposits from air cleaner lid

[Richard E.]

Has anyone successfully cleaned the black carbon deposits from the bottom of a air cleaner lid without disturbing / damaging the original factory silk screen paint? The original silk screen is legible for the most part but covered in black deposits built up over the years. The air cleaner lid is the factory original on my 1966 / 390 HP Corvette. I thought of trying carb cleaner or mineral spirits but I expect any chemical will remove the silk screen. Appreciate all comments. Rich

[Ara G.]

Re: Remove carbon deposits from air cleaner lid

Has anyone successfully cleaned the black carbon deposits from the bottom of a air cleaner lid without disturbing / damaging the original factory silk screen paint? The original silk screen is legible for the most part but covered in black deposits built up over the years. The air cleaner lid is the factory original on my 1966 / 390 HP Corvette. I thought of trying carb cleaner or mineral spirits but I expect any chemical will remove the silk screen. Appreciate all comments. Rich

Yes, many times. SOS pads. Be gentle when going over the silk screening and have lots of water on the lid but i have done many and never taken any silk screening off....just be patient and take your time. ARA

[Leif A.]

Re: Remove carbon deposits from air cleaner lid

Wipes right off with Tub-o-towels then follow-up with window cleaner. Unless you're experiencing backfiring through the carb, there shouldn't be a whole lot of residue under there anyways.

[John D.]

Re: Remove carbon deposits from air cleaner lid

Don't use anything that requires scrubbing. Go to Dollar store and buy AWESOME. $1.00 for a pint. Concentrate.
Prop the lid up vertical.
Spray on Awesome with some warm water. Or just pour it on the lid. Let it so and drain off taking the carbon with it. Be patient. Do this many times.
My helper uses a ton of Awesome to soak filthy fuel injection castings.

[Bob W.]

Re: Remove carbon deposits from air cleaner lid

John, The name says it ,all that s**t is Awseome. Will it remove the gas stains from the aluminum castings ? Also do you dilute with water ?

Bob

[Richard E.]

Re: Remove carbon deposits from air cleaner lid

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I expect each method works depending on the level of build up. Unfortunately in my case, the cover bottom is heavy black, no doubt from some miss-fires back in the day. The original silk screen paint must have been thick / heavy when applied as the lettering actually appears "raised" under the black carbon, that is how I can tell the silk screen still exists. You need to tilt the cover in the light just right to view the wording but it appears to be all there.
I will probably start by trying the AWESOME and see how it reacts.
Thanks again everyone.