Carburetor Cleaner Kits Make Short Work of a Messy Job

EVs get the media hype, fuel injection systems now power most vehicles but a report in Gili's Automotive post states, "While carburetors may not have a life in new vehicles today, chances are good that they’ll still be used for many years to come." Keeping complex carburetors in top performance is faster, easier and more thorough with an ultrasonic carburetor cleaner kit.

What's an Ultrasonic Carburetor Cleaner Kit?

Simply stated, the kit uses the power of ultrasonic cleaning instead of manually cleaning disassembled carburetors by soaking in solvents, wash tanks, using brushes, aerosol sprays and other environmentally unfriendly methods. In addition to plain old "dirt" carburetor cleaner kits remove varnish, gums and other contaminants that deposit on a carburetor's exterior and interior parts over time.

How Ultrasonic Cleaners Work

Move on if you already know.

Ultrasonic cleaners are used in a wide range of applications to remove virtually any soil or contamination by using the power of cavitation action.

Cavitation is the term used to describe the implosion of billions of minute vacuum bubbles when they contact parts immersed in an ultrasonic cleaning solution. The bubbles are created by generator-powered ultrasonic transducers bonded to an ultrasonic cleaning tank.

When these bubbles contact parts immersed in the solution they implode to blast loose and carry away contaminants on parts being cleaned.

Depending on models, cleaners typically operate at an ultrasonic frequency of 37 to 42 kHz (37,000 to 42,000 cycles per second). Cleaners are available operating at other frequencies as well as multiple frequencies.

For more on this check our post giving an in-depth look.

Two Excellent Reasons for an Ultrasonic Carburetor Cleaner Kit

1. Ultrasonic Carb Cleaners are Thorough

When the bubbles implode contaminants are quickly and safely blasted away from wetted surfaces without damaging delicate carburetor parts.

These bubbles are so small that they are able penetrate minute cracks, crevices and blind holes impossible to reach by hand scrubbing using conventional parts washers or aerosol sprays.

2. Ultrasonic Carburetor Cleaners are Fast

Once parts are placed in the cleaner basket and cleaning initiated they can complete the job in 25 to 40 minutes (depending on condition).

A big benefit here is that you are free to attend to other tasks. And, compared to solvent-based parts washers and aerosols, cleaning is completed in an environmentally friendly manner.

This is because the ultrasonic carburetor cleaner formula is a biodegradable concentrate that minimizes disposal problems.

Selecting an Ultrasonic Carburetor Cleaner Kit

Three options are available from iUltrasonic and allow you to clean single or multiple carburetors at the same time. The largest kit is ideal for cleaning other engine parts.

The smallest carburetor cleaner kit is the 3/4-gallon SGB 75 Grease Buster ideal for cleaning small engine carburetors typically found on lawnmowers, chainsaws and other small gas-engine powered equipment.

For small engine repair shops, backyard mechanics or clubs consider the heater and timer-equipped 1.6-gallon capacity SGB-160 kit that we especially promote for this application.

The 10-gallon SGB 1000 kit is a complete car parts sonic cleaner kit perfect for removing gunk, grease, built-up road dirt and other contaminants from carburetors, fuel pumps, oil pumps, brake assemblies, gears and other components without the mess and bother of manual scrubbing with solvents in wash tanks.

All kits include elma tec clean A4, a biodegradable ultrasonic cleaning solution concentrate diluted to 1 to 5% with water. It is especially formulated for engine parts, gears, bearings, carburetors and fuel injectors.

Also included is a handy user guide on how to clean carburetors.

Setting Up Your Carburetor Cleaning Cycle

Whatever the model and size ultrasonic carburetor cleaner kit you use there are steps to take before cleaning begins.

Add water to fill the tank half way and add the recommended amount of cleaning solution concentrate for a full tank. Continue adding water to the fill line.

Activate the ultrasound, set the heater to approximately 70°C, and operate the unit for 10-15 minutes. This mixes the solution and drives off cavitation inhibiting entrained air. Repeat this operation every time you prepare a fresh cleaning solution.

Place parts to be cleaned in the basket, lower them into the solution, cover the unit with the lid to reduce noise and evaporation, and set the timer for 20 minutes.

Safety Note: DO NOT reach into an operating ultrasonic bath. Instead remove the basket if you want to inspect or rearrange the parts. They will be hot.

Cleaning Solution Maintenance Tips

Contaminants removed during ultrasonic cleaning remain in the solution or fall to the tank bottom.

Periodically skim off the oils that rise to the surface of the bath and set them aside for later disposal. When the solution becomes discolored or cleaning time takes longer it is time to replace it.

Empty the tank. Follow local regulations to dispose skimmed off contaminants, spent solution and sludge from the bottom of the tank. Clean the tank following instructions in the user manual.

Fill the tank with fresh cleaning solution, degas it and you are ready for new cleaning cycles.

Need More Info on Carburetor Cleaning?

Contact the iUltrasonic.com ultrasonic cleaning experts for help in selecting the right ultrasonic cleaner kit and cleaning solution that meets your requirements.