Carburetor cleaning

[pcrh]

I have some old trucks I work with in the yard. Not road trucks. Mostly just to keep me occupied. I have 2 that need carburetor work and I am going to tackle them for the experience.

My question is on taking the carburetor apart and saving the gasket or finding a way to replace the gasket without buying new gaskets. I have read where someone soaks them in hot diesel and slowly pry them apart. Any one try this or have other ideas on saving the gasket?

Thanks

 

[stdsch40]

What is so special about the gasket that you have to save it? Can't you make another one? I can't say that hot diesel will work however, I wouldn't expect the gasket to be salvageable even after taking the carb apart. You takes your chances. Best of luck.

 

[pcrh]

What is so special about the gasket that you have to save it? Can't you make another one? I can't say that hot diesel will work however, I wouldn't expect the gasket to be salvageable even after taking the carb apart. You takes your chances. Best of luck.

Nothing special about the gasket. Just trying to be creative because I can. So save the gasket or use a build a gasket from a tube or any other option could all work.

 

[stdsch40]

I've had good experiences using the black Permatex RTV silicon as a gasket maker depending on the application (its not appropriate in every situation).

 

[Don B.]

Not in a carburetor!!! Absolutely not. No rtv, no permatex ever. Should be able to get a carburetor kit that has those gaskets for not much money

 

[stdsch40]

And why may I ask do you say that? You write as if you know something no one else does, curious.

 

[Jim.ME]

Excess RTV, and other such sealers, seem to squeeze out of joints, at both sides of the joint, and the little globs of it can break loose and get into places they shouldn't be, small passages can get plugged. Does it happen every time, no, but it does enough that it is not worth trying for the cost of a basic carb kit with gaskets, for me. Using a kit with a new gasket (without sealant) generally allows for disassembly again without damage to the gasket, if something like a float adjustment is required.

The Technical Data Sheet for Permatex Ultra Black says it is not recommended for parts in contact with gasoline. Any sealant used needs to be checked for compatibility.

Each to their own, your carburetor, your choice.

 

[Don B.]

And why may I ask do you say that? You write as if you know something no one else does, curious.

As you even said, "depending on application" and a carburetor is no application for permatex anything

 

[Nordic]

I have worked on many old carburetors over the decades and extremely seldom do I need new gaskets. As you pull apart the carb, once all the screws are out, give a few light taps with a hammer, if needed, use an exact-o-knife or a razor blade to separate sides that are stuck on. Old carburetor gaskets are quite forgiving in my opinion. The level of the gas in a carburetor is always below the level of main gaskets, so it's not as if the gaskets have to be 110% perfect on re-assembly.

 

[pcrh]

I have worked on many old carburetors over the decades and extremely seldom do I need new gaskets. As you pull apart the carb, once all the screws are out, give a few light taps with a hammer, if needed, use an exact-o-knife or a razor blade to separate sides that are stuck on. Old carburetor gaskets are quite forgiving in my opinion. The level of the gas in a carburetor is always below the level of main gaskets, so it's not as if the gaskets have to be 110% perfect on re-assembly.

Thanks that sound like a good plan for me.

 

[pcrh]

Excess RTV, and other such sealers, seem to squeeze out of joints, at both sides of the joint, and the little globs of it can break loose and get into places they shouldn't be, small passages can get plugged. Does it happen every time, no, but it does enough that it is not worth trying for the cost of a basic carb kit with gaskets, for me. Using a kit with a new gasket (without sealant) generally allows for disassembly again without damage to the gasket, if something like a float adjustment is required.

The Technical Data Sheet for Permatex Ultra Black says it is not recommended for parts in contact with gasoline. Any sealant used needs to be checked for compatibility.

Each to their own, your carburetor, your choice.

Thanks. That is a really good point.