Topic: Cleaned Carb bodies, now they have some kind of film. Help.

[Gears]

Hi guys.

I was cleaning my carb bodies by soaking them in a 50/50 mix of Simply Green and water. I left them in for about 24 hours and then pulled and rinsed them in water. As soon as I started drying them with my air compressor I started noticing a white film/powdery substance appearing on the bodies. I have not clue what it is, but it seems to go away if I use a wire brush. Is it some kind of flash corrosion? Is there anyway to prevent it from happening?

Help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Frankenkit]

i could be wrong, but... I think it's aluminum oxide.  Is this film on the outside or the inside?  It seems pretty common on the inside where minor aluminum pitting (blame long exposure to funky chemicals in gas) has lead to greater surface area, thus more space for a lot of oxide to build up.  I got rid of some of it in my carb bowls by taking fine sandpaper to the surface, then a toothbrush with mother's polish.  clean VERY well after with soap and hot water, dry well and use.

[Gordon]

That happens when you leave the carbs in Simple Green too long.  Try a green scrubbing pad.  I'd be worried a wire brush would scratch them up too much. 

[333]

Yeah, stay away from a wire brush.  Invest in a new, stiff toothbrush( as opposed to a used one).  And I'd try WD40.  The Simple Green does a good job at cleaning them, but WD should go a long way in getting that crud off.

[Gears]

That happens when you leave the carbs in Simple Green too long.  Try a green scrubbing pad.  I'd be worried a wire brush would scratch them up too much. 

I wish I had known that. I was thinking of a brass brush, but I'll try the pad first. Would a scotchbright pad work?

[Gordon]

Would a scotchbright pad work?

Yep.  That's what I was talking about, just being more generic.