How to get that carb apart?

[700rpm]

I have a Z-1 side bowl carb I'm trying to disassemble for restoration. I've soaked it 24 hrs in ammonia, which cleaned the outside very nicely. Then I soaked it four hours in lacquer thinner, which cleaned the outside even more. But I still can't get the top loose from the bottom. I want to be VERY careful with that top!

Suggestions, please. What can I do to get the two halves apart?

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Chances are the venturi is swelled and locking the 2 halves together. You may have to just break the venturi, then remove each half once it's apart. A new venturi is only about $5.

 

[Doug in NJ]

I've never heard of using ammonia to clean car parts! What is it recommended for?

Doug

 

[eswanson]

Heat works well for getting the venturi unstuck

 

[Jim Parker Toronto]

I've soaked carbs in Acetone with excellant results, never tried ammonia. Are you sure?

 

[Bill Steiner]

Years ago I have used ammonia on old flat head Aluminum V8 heads and studs. Bill

 

[700rpm]

Les Andrews suggests ammonia in his handbook; that's where I got the idea. It does clean all the dirt and grease off.

 

[30cabriolet]

The venturi is some type of pot metal. I turned a piece of brass to the size of the throttle throat and push out the venturi from the top down. It is easier to do when the venturi is already broken into two pieces. To get the bottom out (or the top if you can't press it out), I use propane or map gas. The venturi will melt long before the casting get too hot. I just melt one side of the circle and use pliers to collapse the rest and remove it.

 

[SteveM]

I turned a chunk of steel to the bore diameter and press the remains out when I have one stuck in the top. For the bottom, I use the pipe/bolt/washer trick on model-a.org

Before pulling, I use penetrant to help loosed things up.

Steve

 

[700rpm]

Got it!

BINGO to ForeverFour for his suggestion:

"...I have had very good luck loosening the main bolt just slightly, holding the carb in one hand, and rapping the head of the bolt with a hammer with medium impact..."

I tried this and it worked perfectly for separating the two halves. Now onward to removing the venturi from the lower half, which should be easy... heh heh.