What to use to clean WCFB tops?

[Rod K.]

I've used several cleaners including AL wheel cleaner, Aluminum Jelly and others with various combinations of sulfuric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric and phosphoric acids and blasted with soda and glass. Nothing short of Scotchbrite will remove the dark gray residue on my WCFB carb tops and I can't get into the small crevices with it and don't want to scratch the surface. Suggestions on a cleaner or another technique which will brighten the aluminum without leaving the dark residue? Or who can clean them for a reasonable price?

Thanks for the help.

[John F.]

Re: What to use to clean WCFB tops?

Call Bob Kunz (314)845-2566. He rebuilt and recolored my WCFB. Looks and works great!

John F

[Joe L.]

Re: What to use to clean WCFB tops?

I've used several cleaners including AL wheel cleaner, Aluminum Jelly and others with various combinations of sulfuric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric and phosphoric acids and blasted with soda and glass. Nothing short of Scotchbrite will remove the dark gray residue on my WCFB carb tops and I can't get into the small crevices with it and don't want to scratch the surface. Suggestions on a cleaner or another technique which will brighten the aluminum without leaving the dark residue? Or who can clean them for a reasonable price?

Thanks for the help.

Rod----


I think you'll find that the best job will be accomplished using dip carburetor cleaner. The problem is that this stuff is NASTY. It contains carbolic acid and other nasty stuff. You don't want to get any on your skin and you don't want to breathe the vapors.

[Rod K.]

Re: What to use to clean WCFB tops?

Thanks, Joe. I'll try that. Found late last night that B12 spray would get some of it off but they still don't look like John's.

[Joe L.]

Re: What to use to clean WCFB tops?

Thanks, Joe. I'll try that. Found late last night that B12 spray would get some of it off but they still don't look like John's.

Rod------


Berryman's B-12 is excellent. I've used it for a LOT of years. In fact, I first used it to clean PCV valves when I worked at that Chevron gas station when I was in high school and that was a LONG time ago. However, Berryman's is a cleaner that will remove any surface deposits but will not remove stains. In other words, it will remove everything that affect FUNCTIONALITY but little that is "cosmetic"-only in nature. The VAST majority of folks do not care about "cosmetics" of engine parts.

The dip parts cleaner will do a better job of removing stains and returning a carb to a near as-new appearance. It will usually not remove the dichromate finish used on many carbs but it will not restore that finish, either. As I previously mentioned, make sure you wear gloves when you handle this stuff. If you get any on your skin you'll have to put up with the nauseating odor for a long time. Dispose of any with great care. This stuff is highly toxic.

One caveat: it's possible this stuff has been "emasculated" since the last time I bought any. The stuff I used always worked great and produced an as-new appearing part. However, a lot of products have been "toned down" for environmental reasons and to keep the morons among us from hurting themselves.

[Gene M.]

Re: What to use to clean WCFB tops?

Lacquer thinner and a tooth brush works wonders on the airhorn. Not as toxic as other options.

[Rod K.]

Re: What to use to clean WCFB tops?

Joe,

To clarify, is the "dip parts cleaner" you are referring to something like Berryman's B-9? Just bought a new gallon of it, same p/n as the one I've had for probably twenty years, but the new seems to be working better (who'd have guessed?).

Gene, so noted. If the carb cleaner doesn't get it I'll try lacquer thinner and maybe acetone. Seems like the grey residue I'm experiencing is tougher than common carb residue, more like something the acidic cleaners created. Thanks for your input.

[Joe L.]

Re: What to use to clean WCFB tops?

Joe,

To clarify, is the "dip parts cleaner" you are referring to something like Berryman's B-9? Just bought a new gallon of it, same p/n as the one I've had for probably twenty years, but the new seems to be working better (who'd have guessed?).

Gene, so noted. If the carb cleaner doesn't get it I'll try lacquer thinner and maybe acetone. Seems like the grey residue I'm experiencing is tougher than common carb residue, more like something the acidic cleaners created. Thanks for your input.

Rod------


I'm not familiar with the Berryman's B-9 but I expect it's the same sort of cleaner I described. I know there are multiple brands for the same, basic formula. It has the very distinct aroma of carbolic acid (smells like phenol).

The "gray residue" you're referring to, if it's on the internal surfaces of the carburetor, could be lead residue left over from the days of leaded gasoline. I used to always find this on the internal parts of the carbs "in the old days".

[Troy P.]

Re: What to use to clean WCFB tops?

The really serious carb cleaner dip you are thnking of contained methyl chloride. I don't think it is available anymore due to environmental concerns. Stuff was great for stripping paint too.