Carburettor problems

Stab in the dark, and i`m not sure if they`re still there, but there was a place called Carburettors Unlimited on Muirhead Avenue, Liverpool

A quick google...

Carburettors Unlimited. 204 Muirhead Av Liverpool 0151-226 1257

AFAIK they have a workshop to the rear and may have something suitable - alternatively, they might be able to provide a suitable replacement unit (I think they were Nikki distributors) ?!?

You will find that decent engine reconditioners should have an acid bath. THey use them to dip blocks and heads in to clear the s**te out of the oil galleries.

We do indeed but the 'acid' used therein is a mixture of carbon solvents and will have no effect on aluminium oxide whatsoever. All the OP needs to do is clean the carb by hand. Emery cloth, Scotchbrite abrasive or a brass brush will remove the oxide, take out the jets and give the carb a good blow out with compressed air. Alternatively the sulphuric acid from an old car battery will dissolve the deposits. It will also dissolve the aluminium if left in long enough so take care and flush out thoroughly with clean water afterwards. Remove all jets and any rubber or plastic parts before use. Finally, sodium hydroxide, NaOH, and certain other strong bases will dissolve aluminium oxide but again they will also dissolve the aluminium if left in too long.

-- Dave Baker

The carburettor specialist I have it with said the acid bath they used was a mixture of hydrochloric and sulphuric acid. Various people had their own well guarded secret recipes !

The stabilisation bath also played an important part. Effort had to be made to stop the corrosion re-occuring.

The guy has been repairing carbs for years so I don't think he is spoofing.

I know, to my cost, that drain cleaner will not only clean but also dissolve aluminium, having left an aluminium drip tray from a barbecue in drain claner over night ;-(

same as caustic soda