10 replies to this topic

[Kieranlee999]

I have taken my carb appart and my neighbour has kindly agreed to get it either chromed or zinc plated depending on which one he has to go to first with work. He has told me ineed to remove as much oil as possible from my carb otherwise it messes everything up. What is the best way to remove all the oil from the surface of the outside and inside? 
 

 

[jt19]

De greaser?

[Gremlin]

Be careful what you're plating, certain areas have quite tight tolerances and some of it might not work properly or even fit if it's too thick, ask if he can do just te out side of things like the dashpot and body, the float bowl is not so crucial but don't block up any holes. Back to your question, petrol and brake cleaner, even in the dishwasher works very well

[Kieranlee999]

i forgot to mention it is just the dash pot being done everything else is being left as it is :) 

[Gremlin]

Don't plate the inside of the dashpot, or the inside of the tube down the middle

[Rocket.]

If its just the dash pot being done just clean it with some brake or carb cleaner

Edited by Rocket., 22 February 2015 - 02:44 PM.

[Kieranlee999]

Don't plate the inside of the dashpot, or the inside of the tube down the middle

can i ask would would happen if it was?

 

If its just the dash pot being done just clean it with some brake or carb cleaner

does wd40 remove oil ive not got any carb cleaner left?

[Rocket.]

Don't plate the inside of the dashpot, or the inside of the tube down the middle

can i ask would would happen if it was?
 

If its just the dash pot being done just clean it with some brake or carb cleaner

does wd40 remove oil ive not got any carb cleaner left?

Can't say I've ever tried worth a go won't do any harm

[dklawson]

As above, there are some areas of concern if you decide to pursue plating.

 

What you are calling the dashpot is really the vacuum or suction chamber.  The vacuum chamber is the part you see that is often polished by proud owners.  The dashpot is the oil filled dampener in the middle... the part with the plastic knob you unscrew from the top.  The piston with attached needle moves up and down inside the vacuum chamber.  

 

As stated by Gremlin, several parts are made to close tolerances.  There are tight tolerances between the piston skirt and inside of the vacuum chamber.  There are also tight tolerances between the metal dashpot tube and the inside/top of the vacuum chamber.   When you plate a part you are adding material and closing up clearances.  Chrome and zinc are typically added on top of a flash coating of copper for a buildup of at least 0.001" on the surface.  That closes off inside diameters by as much as 0.002" which may prevent your carb parts from going back together.

 

While it is nice of your friend to offer to plate these parts, doing so may render your carb useless unless they mask off all inside surfaces of the vacuum chamber.  That can be done.  Be careful.  As for cleaning, you can start with spray carb cleaner followed by spray brake cleaner, then washing with MILD caustic cleaners.  Do not use strong caustic as it will eat away the surface of the die casting.  The plater is going to have their own pre-plating wash and cleaning process for anything going into the vats so basic cleaning by you should be enough.  However, plating will show ALL the flaws in the part, therefore, read up on how to polish these parts before you give them to your friend for plating.

 

Finally, did you know that you can buy decorative chrome covers for the vacuum chamber if you want the shiny look without the effort?

Edited by dklawson, 22 February 2015 - 05:45 PM.

[gazza82]

 

Don't plate the inside of the dashpot, or the inside of the tube down the middle

can i ask would would happen if it was?

 

If its just the dash pot being done just clean it with some brake or carb cleaner

does wd40 remove oil ive not got any carb cleaner left?

 

Nope .. wd40 is a kind of oil (well lubricant!)

 

White spirit, brake or carb cleaner (best, evaporates), ...

[gazza82]

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