Ultrasonic cleaners

[steve meltzer]

Thinking about cleaning some carburetor parts and other small parts and would like to know if anyone has had experience with an ultrasonic cleaner. If so, what brand did you buy? What cleaning solution do you use in it, and how much time and temperature for carburetor parts? Thanks Steve.

[mepstein]

For a one time deal, take it to a shop and have it done. We have a 20 gallon unit that cost us $12k. Much better results than a $250 unit on Amazon.

[steve meltzer]

thanx steve

[Tad240]

I bought a Vevor 30L from Amazon for around $270 last summer. I’ve used it to clean a lot of miscellaneous items and it has worked well for me. For small items I typically have filled it with water and then just drop in a sealed smaller container (Gatorade bottle or mason jar) filled with either simple green or diesel fuel and the smaller items to be cleaned. Saves on cleaning solution and easier cleanup. For larger items I have filled the entire bath with diluted simple green solution. It really does a good job for the intricate small items that will fit into the bath. It heats up quickly and that makes a big difference in the cleaning process. It’s not a commercial quality product but so far I am satisfied. It’ll probably break down next week now that I’ve given it a little praise lol.

I followed Tom’s advice in this YouTube video.
https://youtu.be/JGoAK_NNLbY?si=iLoC_bTnqqijfttP

[MBAtarga]

I bought the horrible freight ~$100 unit years ago and still use it periodically. For small parts it might be a very inexpensive option.

[steve meltzer]

thanx for the info, guys. s

[shoooo32]

I work at a CNC shop that has dozens of ultrasonic tanks. The main difference between the expensive ones and the Chinese Harbor Freight units is frequency and temperature control. The cheap ones may take a little longer to clean and won't have precise control, but for the most part they work just fine. As for buying and filling one with carb cleaner for a one time use, I agree - farm it out to a local shop. But I'd venture you could find all sorts of uses once you've cleaned those carbs.

[Ferdekalen]

I’ve had some experience cleaning carburetor parts with an ultrasonic cleaner, and it’s honestly been a game-changer. I got an ultrasonic cleaner from a brand I found online, and it’s been great for small engine parts. For the cleaning solution, I use a mix of water and a degreaser—works well without being too harsh. As for time and temperature, I usually run the parts for about 10-15 minutes at around 60°C, depending on how dirty they are. I also stumbled upon ultrasonic liquid flow meters while doing some research, and they seem pretty useful for more precise cleaning if you're dealing with high-flow parts.

[Dpmulvan]

I had an expensive commercial one I bought used, worked great till it broke. Bought a Chinese one and was seriously disappointed, a waste of time and money and the frequency is not the best for auto parts.