Author Topic: Ultrasonic cleaning black floats  (Read 408 times)

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Offline zabzob

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Ultrasonic cleaning black floats
« on: April 13, 2024, 11:00:14 AM »
I got an Amazon special ultrasonic cleaner which has been great for my carbs. I know fluid has been controversial, with all kinds of opinions on vinegar, Simple Green, and various other fluids potentially damaging aluminum. I'm using Simple Green Extreme, which is safe for aluminum:

https://simplegreen.com/industrial/products/extreme-aircraft-precision-cleaner/

I have a question about cleaning the black floats with it. Will it damage the float material? I've cleaned them all except the floats because I wasn't sure. My plan is to put them in a large tea strainer that I bought to contain the small parts and give them a quick blast if it's okay to do so. It's a nice day here, hoping I can get them cleaned and installed today...
1975 CB750K5

Offline ViperGravyDavey

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Re: Ultrasonic cleaning black floats
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2024, 09:27:53 PM »
According to the link for simplegreen in your post it is safe for plastic so go ahead! I have used chem-dip on my floats in an ultrasonic (20 minutes) and had no issues with it. Went ahead and rinsed them with water immediately after just to be safe.
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Offline scottly

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Re: Ultrasonic cleaning black floats
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2024, 09:34:30 PM »
I have used chem-dip on my floats in an ultrasonic (20 minutes) and had no issues with it.
Would that be the floats on the carbs that are now pissing fuel? ::)
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
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Offline ViperGravyDavey

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Re: Ultrasonic cleaning black floats
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2024, 06:37:39 AM »
I have used chem-dip on my floats in an ultrasonic (20 minutes) and had no issues with it.
Would that be the floats on the carbs that are now pissing fuel? ::)

Nope, different floats! I have new floats on my Pearly Girly and she's still blowing some gas out the intake. Gonna try a later spark and see if that helps.

But yeah, back to the original post. Ultrasonic away! If you are still paranoid just put a single float in the cleaner and see if it starts to disintigrate. That way if it does, you only need to buy one float and not a whole set  ;D
1978 CB750F (Pearl)
4 to 1 straight pipe exhaust
K&N Pod Filters
Webcam DP117khd camshaft
Dyna S Ignition & Coils
M-Unit Electronics

Offline zabzob

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Re: Ultrasonic cleaning black floats
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2024, 11:24:05 AM »
Thanks all! One final ultrasonic cleaner session with the carbs... then back together and see if I can get them on the bike in time to enjoy this gorgeous Sunday weather!
1975 CB750K5

Offline Deltarider

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Re: Ultrasonic cleaning black floats
« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2024, 04:12:12 AM »
I don't see why a float would need an ultrasonic bath ever.
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Offline newday777

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Re: Ultrasonic cleaning black floats
« Reply #6 on: April 15, 2024, 09:53:21 AM »
I don't see why a float would need an ultrasonic bath ever.
Because you haven't dealt with carbs from a USA bike that sat with MTBE in them for years.....
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A