I have an old B&S 4 HP vert shaft engine that has been sitting a long time. The engine is a 1970 model. I am looking for a good way to clean the tank. It has sluge in the bottom, for lack of a better word. I can dip it in my carb cleaner can, 1/2 at a time. Or is there another produst I should look for. I'd like to save this engine as it was on an old and unusal rider.
Thanks, JB4249
Ted:confused2:
I'd just pour the carb cleaner into the tank and let it sit for a while. A handful of small pebbles can also be added so you can shake it and knock any rust or hard deposits off the walls.
Fish tank gravel? Hmmm...good idea. I just use driveway rocks and water. Dump out the old dirty water, and add fresh till it cleans up. I've also used baking soda and water as well with the gravels. In fact I've got a 5 HP B&S sideshaft tank I need to clean. Thanks for the reminder. Also Baking Soda works for a boiling out solution for carbs as well. I use a pot with about 2 tablespoons of Soda and Water and heat it to low boil in a pot. Works Great! None of those toxic chemicals to splash on you!Dave
That last post about aluminum reminded me of when ever I had an engine failure due to lack of oil and the aluminum con rod fused/transfered to the crank. I would use swimming pool acid (muratic acid) to eat the aluminum off of the crank pin and leave the crank like new. On some occasions there would be scoring if it seized at high speed.
After the boil out with Soda water...I put it in clear water and boil it again.
I've never had any trouble with them after the clear water hot boil. But you're right, some powdery residue could result if not rinse well. I was amazed at the gunk and dirt and varnish the Soda Water would boil out of a carburetor! The only side effect I've noticed is that some of the pot metal in the Walbro type carbs on weedeaters turns dark. Doesn't seem to affect the operation though after boiled in clean water the 2nd time and rinsed under the sink water. I blow them out with compressed air and if I have time let them dry in the hot sun.
I used a toilet cleaner called "the works"used about a cup and made sure tank was sealed and added some old nuts and bolts in it and strapped it to the jacked up rear wheel of my rider in low gear slow speed for about an hour and the tank is as clean as a new one.:thumbsup:
#12
reynoldston
We just had a thread on this yesterday and it was also suggested coffee pot cleaner on that one.
Read that chain can be used in agitation. I can picture the smaller chain with the "tangs" working. You should be able to retrieve chain easily? Never tried.
I use the same technique as Rivets. But I use nuts and tie them on to a length of fishing line (like a fishing trace) and drop them in the tank. Makes it a lot easier getting the nuts out after cleaning if they ties together.
