Which Ultrasonic Cleaner?

[Powderfinger]

I am thinking about buying an ultrasonic cleaner for doing carbs. It looks like the ones in the $100 range have 2.5 to 3 inch deep tanks. The other dimensions are plenty big for motorcycle carbs. Some smaller carbs would completely submerge but larger ones would not.

Is it worth it to get a bigger tank or can you just flip over and cycle again? How long does it generally take to clean the average, grungy 40 year old motorcycle carb?

 

[hotrodcharlie]

I have one of the large Harbor Freight ultra sonic cleaners, and it works GREAT! However, I do start the cleaning process like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sfOhvdIWTc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8vNhAH8WxU

Once they all of the big chunks are gone, then I put them into the ultra sonic cleaner. I only use distilled water, and typically cycle them about three times. I always fully disassemble the carbs for cleaning, it does a much more thorogh job. Blow them out and start the reassembly process. Good luck!

 

[Powderfinger]

Thanks for the info. Charlie.

Yeah, I always disassemble then clean in my parts washer then carb cleaner and air. They get clean inside and function okay but the outside still looks grungy unless a lot of time is spent.

I was still going to clean in the parts washer and then into the ultrasonic cleaner. I have seen some impressive results and it sounds like they clean passages that you really can't get to any other way.

 

[timberwolffxdl]

I use the harbor freight tank too. Works well, depending on the solution. I like simple green and water.

Beware that you'll still want to check and clean each and every jet individually after they come out of the tank. Some stuff just doesn't come out in the bath.

 

[Scratcher09]

I bought a harbor fright ultrasonic cleaner several years ago and it only worked twice then nothing. I then bought a used Peltsonic ultrasonic cleaner. They are much more expensive but won't burn out. I found mine used so it was cheap. It is about thirty years old but works better and will last longer.

I usually use carb dip in the ultrasonic cleaner. Some carbs will not fully submerge so I just rotate them. It works great.