Anyone Have Good Luck Cleaning Old Holleys?

[Realmongo]

I just can't seem to get the old gaskets to seperate from the main body and the metering plates. It is almost as if they have become one. Anyone have any luck without having to resort to scraping?

 

[phutch11]

I rebuilt a Holley 5160 a few years back and had similar problems. The best thing to do is to completely take apart the carb and soak all the parts overnight in Simple Green. The next day the carb will be clean inside and out and all the gaskets will peel right off.

 

[phutch11]

I rebuilt a Holley 4bbl a few years back and had similar problems. The best thing to do is to completely take apart the carb and soak all the parts overnight in Simple Green. The next day the carb will be clean inside and out and all the gaskets will peel right off.

 

[Realmongo]

I have had it immersed in laquer thinner for a week now.

 

[66Runt]

Crock pot of heated antifreeze or simple green

So first off, I have to say, don't even think of ever using the crock pot for cooking again, but... I've had great success with heating up antifreeze in a crock pot and using it to remove old gaskets, varnish and such. Just let it simmer for 5-8 hours, and it peels right off.
My neighbor swears by the simple green stuff (just soaking it in a regular bowl, he doesn't heat it up). I haven't tried it myself.

Those old gaskets can be a real PITA, be careful not to scratch the aluminum.

Good luck,

Scott

 

[Realmongo]

So first off, I have to say, don't even think of ever using the crock pot for cooking again, but... I've had great success with heating up antifreeze in a crock pot and using it to remove old gaskets, varnish and such. Just let it simmer for 5-8 hours, and it peels right off.
My neighbor swears by the simple green stuff (just soaking it in a regular bowl, he doesn't heat it up). I haven't tried it myself.

Those old gaskets can be a real PITA, be careful not to scratch the aluminum.

Good luck,

Scott

You used the crock pot and lived to tell about it?

 

[cardude]

I just did this and thanks to the experts of this fine forum was able to get this done.

I bought a gallon of carb cleaner and soaked the carb in it for a day or so. I think took a flat scraper and worked around the edges also used a rubber mallet to get it loose. it took some muscle but it slowly pealed back.

I then soaked for another day or so to get it off the hardware. it may take a few soaks ot get it all off but it worked just like they said.

now it runs better than it ever has and I can say I did it all myself, didnt need any expert adjustment (guess i got lucky)

 

[Realmongo]

I just checked on it and the gaskets are softening up. But the thinner does not seem to be having any effect on the tan debris I am guessing was once gasoline.