aluminum finish?

D

Don Cape Cod

Senior Member
Spent some time on the Barn and was surprised at the 15 or so different solvents & soaps & etc., suggested to clean carbs and distributors. Had hoped to find some clue as to how to get that new looking finish on a carb. Not too bad on the distributors as you can clean them up decent with a rotary wire brush. But how can I make a carb look like new? Thanks, Don
 
well, that was quite an answer 34 pkup. I'm sorry I used the word "aluminum" as it suggests I'm stupid. I don't read all the posts on the Barn, but of those I have, I've not seen this type of reply. Thank you for your help 34pkup.

Bob of Cape Cod had asked a similar question and got an add for a product for restoring aluminum sheeting, and a comment that he does not do things just because someone else "duz" a particular thing. Again, I'm not used to seeing these kinds of reply's and comments on the Barn. Thanks also 51 merc
 
34PKUP said:
First, most carbs are not aluminum but a zinc alloy.
Click to expand...

Don........Considering YOUR title on this thread, along with the following question mark, 34PKUP's reply was quite appropriate, and precisely the same as I would have replied. With the material make-up now clarified, below is some top-notch info I found on the interweb that may help you understand the finish on some old, zinc carburetors. DD

Zinc alloy carburetor bodies were generally treated with chromate.

Chromate
The chromate treatment is a cold treatment applied to zinc alloy castings. The castings are first chemically cleaned in caustic lye; washed in water to neutralize the lye which is a “base”; and then dipped in a solution of nitric, sulfuric, and chromic acids. The surface of the zinc alloy is chemically “etched”, and the residue is a very thin cover coat, which is a greenish goldish cover. This process is done to minimize the formation of zinc oxide of the metal. WARNING! This is not a process that the hobbyist should even consider!!! The active ingredient, chromic acid, is a known carcinogen! THIS STUFF IS DEADLY.
 
If the carb is just basicall stained from gas residue and dirt, aerosol carb cleaner will do wonders getting them cleaned and looking better
 
34PKUP said:
First, most carbs are not aluminum but a zinc alloy.
Click to expand...

If you write "First" then there must be a second. Do you plan to uncharacteristically actually offer helpful information and therefore use "second" or do you plan to just run him down for asking for help and then leave per your normal?
 
Some time back while I had the Inlet cover, Carby & Fuel pump off,I brushed them with paint remover gel, let it soak for 15 Min hosed off and they came up like new. It worked for me. There also was a product years ago called Carbaline for pistons and alloy. Probably too dangerous these days though.
 
It doesn't make them look new, but I soak mine in lacquer thinner, then use a hard bristle tooth brush. They come out looking real good.
 
If you want to Chromate them there are kits that use other less bad things today.
Old potmetal is very hard to activate good enough just by caustic and acid treatment.
For a good result a zinc/cad plate before chromate treatment is a better way to go.
 
I've got some old junk stuff and I think I'll try the paint remover just for fun & see how it works. Sounds like a sound idea.
Thanks, Kpar
Jim
 
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