Pinto & Carbs

[Mark Bagnall]

Ive not driven my Dutton yet but it does run. The carb fitted is a 38DGAS which has been poorly fitted by the previous owner - screws missing, generous instant gasket. I also have the original 32/36DGAV which is almost jammed solid. So there's some work to do.
What is the best way of cleaning up a carb?

[James Doulton]

I'm not sure why the carb was replaced as the standard carb is good for the sort of power gain that you'd expect with just a modified cam. They reckon that the carb can easily cope with up to 135bhp. It is also quite good for economy. Having said that, I have just bought a set of bike carbs and a manifold for my Pinto from DanST Engineering. The reason for the bike carbs is that it is a poor man's way to try and get the performance of fuel injection or twin 40DCOE webers. We will see if that works but it'll be quite a while until those are fitted.

[Dave Adams]

alibrite does a mint job....how ever its dilute phosphoric acid VERY corrosive. it will dissolve the carbs if left...and any glass container you put it in. Yup alibrite is made from one of the few things to dissolve glass.

[Mark Bagnall]

Has anyone tried an ultrasonic cleaner? I understand they're very good but the muck in carbs gets pretty well stuck on.

[James Doulton]

If you want it gleaming on the outside then you could get it shot blasted with glass beads. There was a company at a recent kitcar show that does that. Looks good but it would have no positive effect on its working and you could get some of the beads stuck in your small orifices.

[Adrian Southgate]

Getting beads stuck in your orifices is so not a good thing ...

[1midz0wwbl268]

Ade, your giving away rather a lot of information there:)),  

When i cleaned my carb, i used wheel  cleaner and a tooth brush,  and it worked a treat, it needed a second going over but that was because i was scared to leave it on for too long.  

[Big Vern]

A good soak in brake fluid usually does the job followed by a good scrub with very hot water and washing powder.