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  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
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Anyone Have Good Luck Cleaning Old Holleys?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Realmongo
  • Start date Start date Nov 15, 2005

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"
Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
2,468
86
99
Western Mass
Nov 15, 2005
#1
  • Nov 15, 2005
  • #1
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?
 
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phutch11

Member
Nov 14, 2005
328
2
18
Nov 15, 2005
#2
  • Nov 15, 2005
  • #2
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.
 
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phutch11

Member
Nov 14, 2005
328
2
18
Nov 15, 2005
#3
  • Nov 15, 2005
  • #3
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 prefer to be called "Evil Genius"
Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
2,468
86
99
Western Mass
Nov 15, 2005
#4
  • Nov 15, 2005
  • #4
I have had it immersed in laquer thinner for a week now.
 
6

66Runt

Member
Jun 11, 2005
680
2
18
Nov 15, 2005
#5
  • Nov 15, 2005
  • #5
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

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"
Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
2,468
86
99
Western Mass
Nov 16, 2005
#6
  • Nov 16, 2005
  • #6
66Runt said:
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
Click to expand...

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

 

cardude

Founding Member
Apr 20, 2000
221
0
0
Portland, OR
Nov 16, 2005
#7
  • Nov 16, 2005
  • #7
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 prefer to be called "Evil Genius"
Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
2,468
86
99
Western Mass
Nov 16, 2005
#8
  • Nov 16, 2005
  • #8
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.
 
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