A clean carburetor is efficient for the overall performance of the vehicle. On the other hand, if the carburetor is dirty or unclean, will lead the carburetor to corrosion. Corrosion in the carburetor will arise various problems in different parts of your vehicle.
Sometimes, people use safe cleaner to clean different parts of the vehicle. So, you might be confused about whether you can use brake cleaner to clean a carburetor or not.
Well, you have to know the efficiency of brake cleaner to clean a carburetor. Moreover, you have to ensure that it is safe to use brake cleaner to clean a carburetor.
Can you use a brake cleaner to clean a carburetor?
You can use a brake cleaner to clean a carburetor. Generally, the main purpose of cleaning a carburetor is to prevent corrosion and build-up. A brake cleaner also removes grease, rust, and build-ups. So, a brake cleaner is efficient to clean the carburetor. Moreover, a brake cleaner is safe to use.
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Generally, a brake cleaner is a chemical agent that cleans all types of residues from the brake discs. Moreover, when you pour this liquid, it will evaporate after some time. Besides, this liquid will clean dirt and residue when evaporating.
People often use different chemicals for cleaning brake and carburetors. Because the brake cleaner cleans all types of dirt so effectively that the brake becomes completely oil-free.
But we expect sufficient oil for the carburetor to work properly. That’s why these two cleaners are grouped differently.
But when you don’t have any carburetor cleaner or you need to use something alternative, then you can use the brake cleaner. Cleaning the carburetor means cleaning it from rust, dirt, dust, etc. So, the brake cleaner will easily do that.
Moreover, the brake cleaner doesn’t damage the carburetor. Generally, a brake cleaner will clean the grease and oil residues. So, when you will put the liquid brake cleaner into the carburetor it will clean the carburetor from oil and grease.
This might help the carburetor to prevent corrosion and rusting. But cleaning all oil and liquid from the carburetor might create problems in the long run.
So, you can temporarily use a brake cleaner to clean the carburetor. But you should not permanently or continuously use the brake cleaner to clean the carburetor.
Will brake cleaner damage a carb?
Generally, a brake cleaner is safe to use to clean the carburetor. Brake cleaners will not hurt or damage a carburetor. Moreover, the brake cleaner will efficiently clean grease and grime build-ups from the carburetor.
A carburetor is cleaned with carb cleaner most time. But sometimes, the brake cleaner can fulfill the purposes of cleaning carburetor.
Many carburetor cleaners are manufactured from different types of alcohol. Similarly, brake cleaners are also made of alcohol. So, brake cleaners are pretty same from this perspective.
Moreover, brake cleaners don’t contain any harmful solvents that can damage the carburetor. But brake cleaners also clean the oil and grease from the parts. So, after applying the brake cleaner, it will remove oil from the carburetor.
But we know that carburetor will work well if there is a minimum amount of oil. So, you might need to put excess oil in the carburetor after cleaning it with the brake cleaner.
4 reasons you can use brake cleaner to clean carburetor
Many people use brake cleaners to clean carburetors. A brake cleaner and a carburetor cleaner might not be the same.
But you can use the brake cleaner for cleaning other parts of the vehicle including the carburetor. So, let’s see why you can use a brake cleaner safe to clean the carburetor.
Cleaning purpose:
You only use a brake cleaner to clean the carburetor is for cleaning purposes. A brake cleaner can clean the carburetor effectively.
It cleans grease, oil, dirt, and debris from the carburetor. Generally, when you want to clean the carburetor thoroughly from all the residues, you can use a brake cleaner.
Fast cleaning:
The brake cleaner is pretty fast-acting. When you apply the liquid cleaning agent, it will evaporate with all the dirt, grease, residue, etc. The cleaner will not take a long time to clean. So, the cleaning process will be fast.
Temporary cleaning:
Generally, when any carburetor cleaner is not available, or you want a cost-effective cleaner, you might use a brake cleaner for a carburetor.
This can temporarily clean the carburetor effectively. When you want a cleaner for the long-term, you should use a carburetor cleaner for the carburetor.
Non-damaging:
Generally, the brake cleaner doesn’t damage the carburetor. If you don’t use it for a long time, the brake cleaner will not arise any problem.
Moreover, using the brake cleaner is pretty safe because this cleaner is made of alcohol like the carburetor cleaner.
Brake cleaner vs carburetor cleaner – What are the differences?
You might have heard that you can use the brake cleaner and carburetor cleaner alternatively. You can use a brake cleaner to clean the carburetor. But should not use a carburetor cleaner for the brake system.
Because these two cleaners have some significant differences. So, let’s see the main differences between a brake cleaner and a carb cleaner.
Purpose:
Though the main purpose of these two cleaners is to clean, they have some specific differences in their function.
Generally, a brake cleaner will clean carbon deposits from the brake discs and other parts. But the carburetor cleaner will clean grease, oil, dirt, deposits, etc.
Manufacturing material:
Though alcohols are used for both cleaning elements. But in the brake cleaner, the main ingredient is acetone. Besides, other alcohols are used. On the other hand, for the carburetor cleaner, chlorides, alcohols, non-chlorinated elements are used.
Oil removal:
A brake cleaner will remove oil from the brake system since this cleaner is pretty aggressive. But carburetor cleaner is pretty gentle.
This cleaner will not remove oil from the carburetor because the carburetor requires a minimum amount of oil to function well.
Alternative use:
Generally, the brake cleaner is also suitable to use to clean the carburetor. But using the carburetor cleaner to clean the brake will not be efficient.
Rate of evaporation:
These two liquid evaporates after applying to the brakes or carburetor. But the brake cleaner will evaporate quickly since this cleaner is pretty aggressive. The carburetor cleaner might take a little longer time.
What can I use to clean a carburetor? What is a good substitute for carburetor cleaner?
Generally, different brands and types of carburetor cleaners are available. You can find many commercial cleaners at the market. But if you still want to use something else, you can make a cleaning material.
For making a DIY carburetor cleaner, you can add 1-quart alcohol, 1-quart acetone, 1-quart Xylol, and 1-gallon paint thinner. Let’s see what you can use as a good substitute for carburetor cleaner.
Brake cleaner:
You can use a brake cleaner as a substitute for carburetor cleaner. A brake cleaner is pretty efficient to clean the carburetor thoroughly.
Vinegar:
Vinegar is a natural element that is pretty effective for cleaning. You can also use vinegar to clean a carburetor. Generally, vinegar is not that strong like commercial cleaners. But if you clean the carburetor regularly with vinegar, it will work well.
Acetone:
Acetone is one of the main ingredients of the carburetor cleaner. Moreover, we know that acetone is used widely for cleaning purposes. So, you can also use acetone to clean a carburetor.
White spirit:
White spirit can be another effective element to clean a carburetor. So, you can use it as a substitute for carburetor cleaner.
How do you clean a carburetor using brake cleaner?
Whenever you want to clean a carburetor, you might want to use a carburetor cleaner. But if you want to use a brake cleaner instead of a carburetor cleaner, you have to follow the right way. Let’s see how you can clean a carburetor using a brake cleaner.
- At first, you have to dilute the brake cleaner using water.
- Then you have to ensure that the air filter of the carburetor is clear and unclogged.
- After that, you can remove the carburetor from the place and blow off excess dust, grease, and dirt.
- Remove the other parts of the carburetor also and soak them in the cleaning solution.
- After cleaning and scrubbing the carburetor and parts with the brake cleaner, rinse them with clean water.
- Dry the parts well and reassemble them at their places.
Final Thoughts
You can use a brake cleaner as a substitute for a carburetor cleaner. Because a brake cleaner will not damage the carburetor. But it will remove dirt, dust, grease, oil, and residues from the carburetor. But you should not use a brake cleaner in the carburetor for a long time.