I'm not sure how much it is needed per se AND I'm not sure how much it would cost for someone to do this for you but if you happen to know anybody in physical sciences (chemistry, biology, etc), they have sonicators which can be used for F-R-E-E.

Cheers

Built2Last wrote on 09/23/11 at 08:08:34:


For less than that, you can BUY an ultrasonic machine.  Clean your carbs ultrasonically for the rest of your life for next to nothing.

http://www.harborfreight.com/25-liter-ultrasonic-cleaner-95563.html  (on sale at the moment)

I have one of these.  I use it for everything from LS650 carbs to jewelry, to 9mm brass, to disassembled guns, to clock parts, to computer parts, to collector coins.  This particular model is cheap chinese stuff, but I probably have several hundred hours on it so far, and it still works.

If you get one, you'll be wanting to do a little internet research on what kinds of solutions to use for different situations.

It may make it less labor intensive, but you can clean a carb up just fine w/0 sonics.

Just use Sea Foam and you will get the vibration from the motor just by driving down the road.

bill67 wrote on 09/23/11 at 09:33:59:


Sea foam is a good solvent, alright.  Just like Berryman's chem tool, gunk carb/parts cleaner.  Just don't use MMO.

I'm kind of in the if it ain't broke, don't fix it camp.  Carburetors will work almost forever IF they are used regularly and IF there is nothing abnormal like a big slug of watery or dirty gasoline.

I think the biggest killer of motorcycles is not operating them enough.  If they sit around too long, with gas evaporating out of the carbs,  they get gunky.  Tanks can get rusty.  I know everyone can't do this, but my bikes have always gotten run regularly.  Even in winter, if there was a day over 40 degrees I would take it out.  Generally no more than 2 weeks between operation.  Also, my bikes are parked with the gas tank full.  I've never had to tear down a carb to clean it.

Built2last66, Is the carb working OK now?  You said the shop would have it apart.  Needs work or just a rejet or something simple?  If the bike is running OK now, other than just a tuning issue, I would skip the ultra-sonic cleaning.  Just get out there a ride the thing.

My son bought a 76 Kaw KZ400 a few months ago.  14k miles.  It sat for a few years.  then a new owner had for about 3 years and would only ride it about once a year.  Every year, he had to take it to the shop to get tuned up and the carbs cleaned up.  The carbs were a mess.  Dried out O-rings and rubber plugs, plugged jets.  We cleaned up the jet and pathways, new O-rings and checked the float levels.  We did not do a full carb teardown and soak.  It's running great now.

Maybe I'll just drink beer out of the ultra sonic thingy... at least I know its clean...