Topic: removing o-ring gunk and gasket residue

[mmmpeanutbutter]

Ok, I'm a pretty new biker.  I decided to do a whole carb rebuild.  So far everything is going well (and taking 3 times as long as I thought). 

I bought carb kits with new o-rings and gaskets.  The main float bowl o-ring has been removed but there is still residue there (I think some kind of adhesive or something was used in addition to the o-ring).  My carb cleaner does nothing to it (which it's not supposed to anyways).  I suspect the right stuff will clean it pretty easily. 

I doubt I want to start scraping at it.

Also, on the top, the gasket is all stuck on also.


suggestions?

[jdpas29]

chem dip will eat it off....  short of that, maybe soaking those areas in liquid wrench or some other penetrant might break the gook down.  you can also try acetone (fingernail polish remover)  it is a damn fine organic solvent.

[Tim.]

Unless it's really bad, you shouldn't have to worry too much about the orings on your float bowls.  The seals are not under any real pressure, and shouldn't have excessive amounts of fuel against them in any case.  You've probably got it clean enough.  That being said, nothing wrong with being diligent in your cleaning.  Don't scrape the areas though, as a gouge in the soft metal will be every bit as much a leak opportunity than a little left over rubber is.

[mmmpeanutbutter]

Unless it's really bad, you shouldn't have to worry too much about the orings on your float bowls.  The seals are not under any real pressure, and shouldn't have excessive amounts of fuel against them in any case.  You've probably got it clean enough.  That being said, nothing wrong with being diligent in your cleaning.  Don't scrape the areas though, as a gouge in the soft metal will be every bit as much a leak opportunity than a little left over rubber is.

Yeah, it's pretty bad.  And the gaskets on the top are even worse.  I'm going to work on them tonight.  Thanks for the replies.

[MRieck]

 Permetex makes an aerosol gasket remover. You can spray some in a metal cup and brush it on with an acid brush. Some fine ScotchBrite pad really helps too.

[Dusthawk]

I had the very same problem on my 'new to me' carbs from E-bay. Tons of very old Ultracopper on all the old rubber seals. I used the acetone because it is inert to the aluminum and, of all things, wooden toothpicks. The wood worked away all the gunk and even polished the metal a little bit without scratching.

Peace and Long Rides,

Jeff

[Tim.]

Actually, seeing as you're working on your carbs, carb cleaner will make mincemeat out of the rubber o-rings.  Should clean up the bowls.

[mmmpeanutbutter]

Actually, seeing as you're working on your carbs, carb cleaner will make mincemeat out of the rubber o-rings.  Should clean up the bowls.

The Hodna Carb Cleaner I'm using doesn't harm the o-rings.  They're buddies.

[hcritz]

Hey MMMPB
I just did the float bowl gaskets on mine and there was some residual crud in the grove too...looked a bit like contact glue...
I'm guessing it came from the factory???
Anyway...I used one of the Brass (tooth brushes) that you can get from the local tool or parts store and some carb cleaner...took a few min. per bowl.  Then I used a flat faced dental pick to get the last little bits out. No more oozy float bowls on the side stand!

[Bob Wessner]

Also, lacquer thinner is the specified clean-up agent for some gasket sealers. You might give some of that a try.

[mmmpeanutbutter]

Well, I got them all done.  I used the nail polish remover.  Seemed to work well.

I'm so very close to being all done with the overhaul...  I just want to replace the fuel and overflow lines.  Then I'll take it in for synchronization and I'll be riding into the sunset!

Can't wait!

(Thanks for all the help)

[Bob Wessner]

I used the nail polish remover

Ah, Acetone. Good to know.

[mmmpeanutbutter]

I used the nail polish remover

Ah, Acetone. Good to know.

It made it really gummy and I scraped it all out using toothpicks.  It was still a pain, but it needed to get done.