Electrolysis questions??

Lynn Patrick

Well-known Member
I have 2 VERY dirty/rusty carbs I need to clean up & was wondering if electrolysis would be a good idea. I have collected info from this site the last couple years on how to set it up but have some questions: Can this be set outside in freezing temperatures? Can the seats (brass?) be left the carb body (I can't get one loose!)? Which would work better - a 10 amp 6/12 volt battery charger or a small 12 volt transformer type charger like is used on some power tools, telephones, etc.?
As usual thanks in advance for any info!
Have a SAFE & GREAT NEW YEAR!!
 
Electrolysis wouldn't be my first choice since it works mainly
line-of-sight. It wouldn't get everything clean inside.
On the other hand, it would clean a bunch off the outside!
A larger battery charger would take less time.
It's water and washing soda, so it will freeze outside.
Keep in mind that the process does produce flammable/explosive
gasses if you need to do it inside. Proper ventilation is required.

The jets. Not sure how electrolysis would affect them. I doubt
it would bother them. If they're clean and not boogered up, you
can leave them in there. They don't really wear out, just plug up.
You can make yourself a lot of work trying to get them out.
Drilling, tapping, etc to replace one.

Do you have a propane or butane soldering torch?
Small, soldering tip.
Sometimes a little heat on the jet will let it turn out.
Sometimes it makes them break.
Too much will warp the cast iron so no jet will work.

I cleaned this one with a lot of patience and a sand blasting cabinet.

mvphoto14411.jpg


mvphoto14418.jpg


mvphoto14419.jpg


mvphoto14420.jpg


mvphoto14421.jpg
 
Thanks Royse. The first one (881) was about like that when I started, the second is on a Jube I just bought (next summer's project!). The 881 I have had off twice & scraped & blown & brushed & everything else I could think of, but it must still have a plugged passage somewhere as it will run but not well. If electrolysis is only line of sight it won't work either, but it was a good thought!
I'll give it a few more cleanings & then may have to contact you about a "professional" fix!
Thanks again.
 
Electrolysis is not "line of site". It will affect every surface of the metal that comes in contact with the liquid whether you can see those areas or not. If there are plugged passages where the liquid will not make it into, then those areas wouldn't be helped, but sand blasting probably wouldn't help them either. Those would need to have a stiff wire of the correct gauge run through them to clean them out.
 
"It will affect every surface of the metal that comes in contact with the liquid"

That certainly fits the chemical process and how I thought it would work.
In practice though, it hasn't worked that way for me.
It might loosen rust up a bit, but didn't remove it.
Then there's always the black mess that has to be cleaned off too.

I totally agree that a plugged passage isn't going to get cleaned
by media blasting either. Floral wire works pretty well to start.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top