The Ford Barn

jim1932 · 05-31-2011, 09:19 PM

What is the best thing to clean all the rust/crud off of zenith floats and other brass? The carb I just cracked open that I got off ebay was a mess. My other carb I used brasso but wasn't that thrilled with the result (yes I know its all inside and who the heck is going to see it). I just like to see them look as new as possible going back together.

DavidG · 05-31-2011, 11:19 PM

Jim,

Lacquer thinner will clean off old gasoline residue and I'm told that brake part cleaner will do the same thing. I've plenty of experience with the former, but none with the latter. After that, the best and fastest cleaner for brass is liquid toilet bowl cleaner. Immerse the parts, but not too long, and rinse them with water thoroughly immediately. You will be pleasantly surprised with the result.

Dave

DavidG · 05-31-2011, 11:22 PM

Jim,

P.S. Do not use the toilet bowl cleaner on any parts other than those made entirely of brass or copper. It is highly corrosive to other metals.

ken ct · 06-01-2011, 12:45 AM

Easiest way ive found is up against a 8" FINE steel wire wheel on a pedestal grinder,makes them shine like new.Been doing brass parts that way for yrs. ken ct.

Clem Clement · 06-01-2011, 05:35 AM

I use a Dremel with brass wire brushes.

38 coupe · 06-01-2011, 06:07 PM

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I use fine steel wool soaked with WD-40.

345 DeSoto · 06-05-2011, 05:59 AM

Soda blast it...

ken ct · 06-05-2011, 06:24 AM

Ive tried fine brass wire wheels,not as good as the steel ones. ken ct OMO.

jim1932 · 06-05-2011, 12:21 PM

Well.... I soaked the parts overnight in vinager and water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water). then used brasso and light steel wool. The stuff came out pretty good.

05-31-2011, 09:19 PM	#1
jim1932 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hancock, MA Posts: 2,781	Best cleaner for floats? What is the best thing to clean all the rust/crud off of zenith floats and other brass? The carb I just cracked open that I got off ebay was a mess. My other carb I used brasso but wasn't that thrilled with the result (yes I know its all inside and who the heck is going to see it). I just like to see them look as new as possible going back together.

05-31-2011, 11:19 PM	#2
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: Best cleaner for floats? Jim, Lacquer thinner will clean off old gasoline residue and I'm told that brake part cleaner will do the same thing. I've plenty of experience with the former, but none with the latter. After that, the best and fastest cleaner for brass is liquid toilet bowl cleaner. Immerse the parts, but not too long, and rinse them with water thoroughly immediately. You will be pleasantly surprised with the result. Dave

05-31-2011, 11:22 PM	#3
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: Best cleaner for floats? Jim, P.S. Do not use the toilet bowl cleaner on any parts other than those made entirely of brass or copper. It is highly corrosive to other metals.

06-01-2011, 12:45 AM	#4
ken ct BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: stratford,ct Posts: 5,971	Re: Best cleaner for floats? Easiest way ive found is up against a 8" FINE steel wire wheel on a pedestal grinder,makes them shine like new.Been doing brass parts that way for yrs. ken ct.

06-01-2011, 05:35 AM	#5
Clem Clement Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 3,393	Re: Best cleaner for floats? I use a Dremel with brass wire brushes.

06-01-2011, 06:07 PM	#6
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,631	Re: Best cleaner for floats? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I use fine steel wool soaked with WD-40.

06-05-2011, 05:59 AM	#7
345 DeSoto Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Skaneateles,NY(summer)/Port St.Lucie,FL(winter Posts: 126	Re: Best cleaner for floats? Soda blast it... __________________ ..."If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits eighty-eight miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit"...

06-05-2011, 06:24 AM	#8
ken ct BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: stratford,ct Posts: 5,971	Re: Best cleaner for floats? Ive tried fine brass wire wheels,not as good as the steel ones. ken ct OMO.

06-05-2011, 12:21 PM	#9
jim1932 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hancock, MA Posts: 2,781	Re: Best cleaner for floats? Well.... I soaked the parts overnight in vinager and water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water). then used brasso and light steel wool. The stuff came out pretty good.