Stuck Diaphragms!

[Nick.]

I'm working on cleaning out my carbs since my gas tank was rusty I figured it would be a good idea. The diaphragms are all stuck. How can i free them up and remove them?

 

[one2dmax]

I've not always had luck when they get stuck. The slide itself is pretty brittle. We've stuck prybars (screwdrivers) in there and used them to leverage them out but sometimes they break. Maybe someone else has an idea.

Sean

 

[Nick.]

i'll be pissed if they break. They're in such good shape too. Plus they're probly a decent chunk of change too

 

[4gasem]

They're pricey! Soak them in a 50/50 mix of trans fluid and acetone and let sit. It's better than any store bought penetrating fluid.

*Penetrating oil ..... Average load*
None ...................... 516 pounds
WD-40 ................... 238 pounds
PB Blaster ............... 214 pounds
Liquid Wrench ......... 127 pounds
Kano Kroil .............. 106 pounds
ATF-Acetone mix.......53 pounds

 

[RagingMain]

They're pricey! Soak them in a 50/50 mix of trans fluid and acetone and let sit. It's better than any store bought penetrating fluid.

*Penetrating oil ..... Average load*
None ...................... 516 pounds
WD-40 ................... 238 pounds
PB Blaster ............... 214 pounds
Liquid Wrench ......... 127 pounds
Kano Kroil .............. 106 pounds
ATF-Acetone mix.......53 pounds

What is this supposed to represent???:confused2:

 

[4gasem]

The force to break a rusted nut off a bolt.

 

[naughtyG]

The diaphragms are all stuck. How can i free them up and remove them?

Do you mean diaphragm or slide or both?

The diaphragms are very soft rubber, if they're stuck they will prolly tear upon removal.

The slides, as Sean said, are brittle plastic. With some WD40 or similar they should work loose enough to slip out and get cleaned.

 

[hubeerjw]

Not exactly sure if this can be done or not, but air pressure ican be about the easiest way to remove certain components stuck together. I would try some PB Blaster or WD40 and let it soak overnight, but would it be possible to use an air nozzle in a certain jet or passage to work the slides/diaphragms lose?

Just an idea.

 

[RagingMain]

if he were to hook up a shop vac on the underneath of the carb and keep the butter fly open it should pull enough air through to try and activate the slides. mix that with some ATF & acetone around the slide it might pull free eventually without much work on his part.

 

[one2dmax]

I had one set I gave up on. They sat in the bottom of my solvent tank for two years (and may still be there for all I can remember) and still were rock solid stuck in there. Hopefully this won't be the case for him.

Sean

 

[Nick.]

the slides are what i meant. The rubber diaphragms are all in tact and good shape, just the slides are stuck. So acetone and ATF + a night of soaking = maybe free? I'll check that out. And a shop vac on one end huh? Which end? The side that hooks to the air box or the side that hooks to the engine boots?

 

[06VMAXIMUS]

Make sure you have plenty of ventilation if you are using Acetone!!! It is nasty stuff.

 

[4gasem]

Yeah the acetone takes the ATF and gets it between the threads or in this case slide and carb body and then dries and leaves the ATF behind.

The test was pretty conclusive and others on the G8 site were surprised by the results as well.

Chris

 

[RagingMain]

the slides are what i meant. The rubber diaphragms are all in tact and good shape, just the slides are stuck. So acetone and ATF + a night of soaking = maybe free? I'll check that out. And a shop vac on one end huh? Which end? The side that hooks to the air box or the side that hooks to the engine boots?

It was just a thought to use the shop vac. I would use it on the engine side, draw air through just like the carbs do when the engine is running. Not positive it will work but if your diaphragms are in good condition it should try to pull the slides in while the ATF/acetone works its magic.

 

[Nick.]

OK i got one out and 1 carb is done!! I cleaned out every hole with spray cleaner and compressed air, every jet was gone through with an appropriate sized wire and cleaner, and the bowl was cleaned out and a nice stock gray color. I'm not sure how the slide is supposed to feel though, is it supposed to move like nothing or should there be a little resistance?

 

[4gasem]

What method did you use?

 

[Nick.]

i actually used spray carb cleaner to loosen up the gummy junk in there then used pb blast and let them sit for 30 min. Stuck a screw driver in there and pushed up on it and out they came! I have 2 carbs done and ready to go back on and 2 more to go! Unfortunately i have to get ready for work now so the others will have to wait till friday morning. I could have all these guys done by sunday at the soonest! Then it's just coating the gas tank, let that dry, check the fuel pump, fill her up, and vroom vroom!!

 

[4gasem]

Sunday is supposed to be pretty warm... That's my wash and wax day for all three of my cars... Ugh... LONG day...

 

[Nick.]

Here's a pic of slide # 2 ( the left side front)

Nasty huh?

With the help of one of those blue shop rags you can buy in rolls at walmart and some spray carb cleaner you get this!

 

[one2dmax]

Be careful using a tank coating. I've redone a number of carbs when the coated tank started falling apart. And that crap doesn't dissolve so if it doesn't come back out when lodged you get to buy another carb.

Sean