Acetone as carb cleaner

[hosocat]

Will acetone hurt a chainsaw carb? Thinking of immersing a carb body in a jar of acetone, then putting it in an ultrasonic for about 15 minutes. I'm wondering about possible damage to check valves.

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

I have done it in the past, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s unnecessarily harsh and some check valves are made from nitrile which can be damaged by acetone. Best to use an alkyline water based degreaser, check its safe with ally and it will do all you need and more.

Edit: I use CT14

https://itwbrands.com.au/products/chemtech®-ct14-engine-and-bilge-degreaser

 

[SteveSr]

I have done it in the past, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s unnecessarily harsh and some check valves are made from nitrile which can be damaged by acetone. Best to use an alkyline water based degreaser, check its safe with ally and it will do all you need and more.

Edit: I use CT14

https://itwbrands.com.au/products/chemtech®-ct14-engine-and-bilge-degreaser

You also have to worry about the nitrile accelerator pump o-rings found in newer carbs which are not easy to access.

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

You also have to worry about the nitrile accelerator pump o-rings found in newer carbs which are not easy to access.

Ah yep you’re spot on Steve, I forgot about them!

 

[bwalker]

As others have mentioned acetone is tough on rubber parts. However I have used it alot to clean carbs and for 15 minutes in an ultrasonic you will be fine.
I've also used acetone as a blending agent for home brew race fuel and never had any issues, but this was at <10% of total by volume.