OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Tech Talk Bigger ultrasonic tank (10L+) for more than just carbs ?

Hi guys,

Have been thinking about getting an ultrasonic cleaner machine for sometime, though held off as I wanted something a bit bigger to clean larger parts, but they were often quite expensive compared to smaller ones for carbs.

Not long ago I looked into it again, see what the prices were like, and it looks like some larger ones have come down in price, so was looking to get some feedback on what others use / recommend / thoughts etc.. on these?

I was looking to get one that had heating as well, such as these,

22L Ultrasonic Cleaner

The one above seems to be the older model, as it appears there's an "upgraded" model, but costs a fair bit more.

Does anyone ultrasonic clean parts other than carbs ?

Do you think the larger tank will have issues cleaning smaller items when needed (such as carbs)

I'm eyeing off the larger tank, mainly because I'd like to clean parts other than just carbs, but it appears the tanks aren't very deep. Most seem to have length/width ok, but seem quite shallow.

Thoughts?

What you're looking is tabletop models so they will have small tank heights. Plus the listed capacities will nearly running over full or at that is how the ones I have here are. I did recently buy a couple 10L units but the actually capacity is closer to 8 liters. There are massive industrial scale unit but those are usually out of most our budget range.

One thing make sure don't ever operate them without water. Also never drain them while operating them or forget to turn the heater off while draining. They will self destruct if you do.

So the other thing than carburetors I have cleaned has been bolts(screws), chainsaw chains, and some my gun parts.

I'd be interested in one of these. I'm forever cleaning carbs, bolts, screws, chains in a dish of petrol!. Might grab one for the hell of it

Millzy, First the environment will thank you as soap and water is a lot less hazardous plus there is a lot less chance of you burning down you place.

Second those shown is considerable less than the ones here on Amazon. I paid 230 usd for the sweep frequency model and 190 usd for the basic model; of course , I brought mine last May too but I just check their prices and they are still the same. Both these were 10 L models.

They are not miracle cleaners as sometimes they need a little help cleaning but for me I have completely quit using carburetor dip cleaners; though, I do use some 2 cycle mix to pre-clean most the exterior of excess dirt and oils. Just makes things go faster and I don't need to change the cleaning solution so often. Dirty solution does slow the cleaning actions of the ultrasonic sound waves. Since I primary use household dish soap and water it is fairly inexpensive to do so.

Thanks for the replies


Curious, what happens if you do? With liquid, vibrations don't get absorbed, and end up amplifying through the base ?


Have you used one for any larger parts? I find it a bit of a hassle trying to clean parts like cylinder heads, and some casings. Watching youtube, they seem to come up a treat, though I'm not sure if they're technologically different than the type I'm looking at.


Do you find the cleaner with the 'sweep freq' works a lot better than a standard cleaner? Originally I was considering a sweep-style cleaner, though they're much more expensive than the standard. The one I listed from ebay, the other seller that sell that unit, also sell an 'upgraded' cleaner which has that function.

This seller I just came across, apparently has 2 left of a 19L "upgraded" model...

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-Ultrasonic-Cleaner-Ultra-Sonic-Bath-Cleaning-Tank-Stainless-Timer-Heater/351997581073?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=621580530196&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Mentions the sweep feature, as-well as a "de-gas" feature (not sure what that is), and only $20 more, which is odd, as other sellers are priced over $200 for them.

Standard cleaners run at around 40khz, I think, but the sweeper units cycle through various frequencies ?

The transducers are heat sink to the tank and they will overheat if the tank is low or dry. On my 10L a 30m cycle can raise the water temp as much 10C and that is with a full tank. ANd maybe reasons the manufacture says not run the unit without enough liquid in tank. Just don't try that as I have already fried one unit by forgetting to turn the heater off before draining.

I only cleaned one 42CC chainsaw cylinder so I don't a real history cleaning these larger items. It did clean it well but it wasn't too dirty either.

I haven't notice any differences myself if sweep works or not. Both units seems to take just as long to clean. The on mine goes from 38-42 KHz.

Degas is simply the removal of excess air from the cleaning fluid. You can do the same by doing a quick 1-2 min cycle in regular model.

Hi,

I have been following this thread with interest. I look after quite a few chainsaws, brush-cutters and hedge trimmers. Quite often one turns up with the the typical clogged up carburetor problem even though I stress to my family to empty all fuel including the carby if not to be used for a while. Until now my only solution has been to look on the internet for a cheap Walbro type carby or similar. This has always been very successful although sometimes its difficult to get exactly the right one. Sometimes they work perfectly right out of the box without even adjusting needles etc.

I have one lower priced brush-cutter at the moment with the usual symptoms. Its not even worth spending about $8.00 for an internet carby for it.

I was wondering how successful the ultra sonic bath has been for experienced users?

What size do you need for just chainsaw carbys?

How long does it take to clean a carby?

How far do you dissemble the carby before you put it the bath?

The small baths (2 or 3L) are very cheap.

Thanks very much

Jeff

Jeff if you're only going to be doing the small cube carburetors then those in the 2.5L will work fine. just one with a heater as it makes the cleaning go faster. I use a 2.5 L for several years until needed a larger unit for the larger ATV and Briggs carbs.

Just be aware that carburetor kits can be as much as those cheap online carbs. Plus it takes experience in the cleaning and adjustment of these cube carbs. Sometimes you can get by with a gasket and diaphragm kit (GND) and other times a full kit might be needed.With experience you can get down to just replacing the metering diaphragm on some when cleaning. It always varies depending what is worn out. I am currently awaiting a kit for a Haulong HQ-2 as the metering diaphragm isn't available separately through Husqvarna. In this case both the carburetor and repair kit are the same price so it would been just as cheap to just replace the carburetor.

There are times with the market the way it is currently is more cost effective to replace than repair. I just don't like sending things to recycle or to the landfill when it is not necessary. And when come those el cheapo string trimmers they are now priced here at my minimum labor charge so they are not even being repaired just replaced. It is a shame that they can't be cost effective repaired but the customers just keep buying them anyway as they rather buy the alcohol and smokes.

For me I seldom were replace one these cubes; unless, it is badly worn or have internal failure that the OEM does provide replacement parts for. One note although places like Walbro may list the part as available getting is another story.

It usually takes about up to 4-6 cycles on the smaller units as most have 8 minutes max timer and it can take to 30 minutes on these small cubes.

As for disassembly you take it down the base cube but don't need to remove the welch plugs. The mixture screw(s) is helpful as it allows the cleaner access to backside of the welch plugs in the metering section. Don't high pressure to blow dry these carbs as it can do internal damage.

Thanks very much AVB,


That was a wonderful helpful answer. I think I will get a little Ultrasonic bath and see how I go.

I'm hoping as this current unit is not very old just cleaning it might work hopefully reassemble with the old diaphragms etc.

Thanks again
Jeff