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Thu Jul 12, 2012 6:48 pm

I soaked my Solex 34 PICT in Berrymans chem dip for 26 hours and when I removed it, I have a gray residue on it. It looks like the same color as the carburetor, and rubs off easily and makes a mess when handled. I wiped off what I could with a paper towel and the finish now looks like a lighter shade. Did I do something wrong ? Is there some other product to remove the remaining residue as its quite messy.

Thu Jul 12, 2012 7:03 pm

A always give mine a thorough soak and scrub with lacquer thinner if I've used a stronger solvent like berrymans. The Dellorto's I just rebuilt got a trip through the dishwasher after that when the wife wasn't looking.

Thu Jul 12, 2012 7:32 pm

That is a layer of oxidized base metal the carb body itself is made of after all the oils have been washed away. Whether they are made from aluminum, Zinc, or white metal, I'm not certain. It just comes naturally from years of exposure to the air.

It is more of a visual defect than functional. As long as there is no deep pits or corrosion in the metal, as suggested use some Lacquer thinner or just physically polish it off as best as practical. Don't use any wire brushes as they will scratch the soft metal.

Thu Jul 12, 2012 7:58 pm

Indeed. It seems now that it dried it does not rub off hardly at all. When wet it was messy, and now the carburettor is a cloudy, dull color.
This Is an original German Solex 34 PICT, so not sure what type of metal it is

Thu Jul 12, 2012 10:28 pm

It is difficult if not impossible to make an old one look NOS. People that do restore them to sell will charge accordingly for it and AFAIK keep their refinishing techniques something of a secret.

I would suggest you make sure it works well for you before you put to much energy into it. Overhauling a carb to work well is one thing, restoring one to look brand new is going to be another.

At this stage, you might try some hot soapy water, a toothbrush and baking soda, or maybe even some vinegar. Once it is cleaned as best as practical and back together you can also coat it with something that will protect all the parts from future oxidation, like WD40 or similar. That will bring up a little shine and make it look better overall too.

Fri Jul 13, 2012 5:49 am

You can blast it with baking soda which won't hurt the metal. Easy clean-up with water.

Max

Fri Jul 13, 2012 6:34 am

Carb soda blasting...

http://www.aircooledtech.com/tools-on-the-cheap/soda_blaster/

Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:42 am

Joey wrote: Carb soda blasting...

http://www.aircooledtech.com/tools-on-the-cheap/soda_blaster/

This is brilliant !
Going to try this today. Thank you.

Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:05 pm

Joey wrote: Carb soda blasting...

http://www.aircooledtech.com/tools-on-the-cheap/soda_blaster/

This worked exactly as described. I am very pleased. many thanks !

Fri Jul 13, 2012 5:00 pm

After soaking them generally rinse them in water and then soap and water and water again...Air compressor dry...they will be slightly dull. You can also use aluminum polish on them for a nice finish.