Tried out a new addition that arrived at Christmas.
https://sydneytools.com.au/product/daytona-dmpw9l-9l-mobile-electric-parts-washer
I didn't want or need a giant parts washer, mainly for space reasons. I also didn't want something that would stink out the garage, which ruled out most of the bench-top options on the market. This was the compromise, perfectly sized and able to be closed and sealed up.
I also like to avoid the use of solvents if I can help it, they certainly get the job done but I really hate the stench that lingers for hours in the garage or on my hands. Having used Bilt Hamber Surfex to great success in the past, I decided to try it as a washer solution as well. After doing some reading, it seems others are using it for this role as well, not as effective as a solvent but still a viable option.
So, I bought a 5-litre bottle of it and mixed it at 2:1. With this model holding 9-litres, that meant 6-litres of water and 3-litres of Surfex. A 5-litre bottle will mix up 15-litres of solution. If needed, Surfex can be used next, but for what I need it to do, I think 2:1 will be fine.
The test subject was this Victa G4 carburetor which I bought used last year. When I bought it, the sale note said that it was "clean, ready to go".................yeah right, the thing hosed down but had dirt all through it. Because I actually bought it for the intake snorkel that was attached to it, the condition of the carb didn't really matter to me. On a brighter note, it would serve as a learning tool, as in teach me how to fully refurbish these
strange carburetors.
I should have bought a parts washer years ago! The fact that you are washing away the dirt as its lifted means you aren't just rubbing it back into the part. I'm sure everyone who has used these for years knowns that, but it's a new discovery for me. On this sort of material, the supplied nylon brush attachment is a little stiff, which I supplemented with an old boars hair detailing brush.
I said
strange earlier because these carburetors function as the fuel delivery, governor and ignition kill via the throttle cam all in the same unit. Typically, your kill switch is separate to the carb, likewise the governor on a 4-stroke.
With everything clean, it was then time to reassemble. I stocked up on G4 parts a few weeks ago, so I had everything on hand to replace what needed replacing. The metal diaphragm washer on this carb was rusted to the diaphragm itself, so both went in the bin and new items used. I also replaced the cracked primer cap and o-ring in addition to a new needle. The ignition wire rubber boots were also replaced.
All put back together. I could technically sell this if I wanted, but I think I'll just keep it as a spare should the needs arise.
I also pulled the blade disk of the Victa 18 to install the correct blade hardware. Compared to the bolt, nylon washer and nylock nut arrangement on a modern Victa, these things are quite over complicated. Having the correct cap washers in conjunction with the felt washers, the blades were held in place as intended, firm but still moveable should the blades strike something. I feel much better knowing the blades are on properly now.
I then went and cut the front lawns with it, I even did the neighbors while I was at it. Not sure my neighborhood enjoyed the sound of an old, noisy Victa 2-stroke on a sleepy Sunday afternoon, but I certainly did!
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