The old nasty carb cleaners that we are no longer allowed to buy was composed of:
Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane) 55-65% You will find that this is the active ingredient in paint stripper and usually the right concentration out of the can here in Thailand
In Thailand we an also get trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene but I am a bit leery to use either due to health risks.
Cresols 10-15% Cresol is a mixing additive used to keep the chemicals in solution. It is also in Lysol and is why some commercial carb cleaners smell similar to Lysol. It is methylphenol, and helps keep greases dissolved and mixed with the chemicals so you can uses the carb dip over and over. Not necessary for short term if you are making your own brew
Mixed xylenes 20-30% The mixed xylenes are mainly a mixture of xylene (the main ingredient in paint thinner), and used to keep the solubility and flashpoint high to slow evaporation.
Sodium bichromate less than 4% This is hydrated sodium dichromate, and is VERY TOXIC. It is also known as dichromic acid, and an oxidiser that simultaneously creates corrosion inhibitors. This is the caustic part of old style carb cleaner.
If these chemicals are not available, to get a very good homebrew carb cleaner you can use:
2 parts of MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)
1 part xylene. To keep the flash point down and keep it mixed well. If there is a choice, buy medium xylene.
1 part methylene chloride IE paint stripper but check the label.
Use this outdoors, do not breathe, do not drink.........
It will expand with heat, so store appropriately
Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane) 55-65% You will find that this is the active ingredient in paint stripper and usually the right concentration out of the can here in Thailand
In Thailand we an also get trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene but I am a bit leery to use either due to health risks.
Cresols 10-15% Cresol is a mixing additive used to keep the chemicals in solution. It is also in Lysol and is why some commercial carb cleaners smell similar to Lysol. It is methylphenol, and helps keep greases dissolved and mixed with the chemicals so you can uses the carb dip over and over. Not necessary for short term if you are making your own brew
Mixed xylenes 20-30% The mixed xylenes are mainly a mixture of xylene (the main ingredient in paint thinner), and used to keep the solubility and flashpoint high to slow evaporation.
Sodium bichromate less than 4% This is hydrated sodium dichromate, and is VERY TOXIC. It is also known as dichromic acid, and an oxidiser that simultaneously creates corrosion inhibitors. This is the caustic part of old style carb cleaner.
If these chemicals are not available, to get a very good homebrew carb cleaner you can use:
2 parts of MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)
1 part xylene. To keep the flash point down and keep it mixed well. If there is a choice, buy medium xylene.
1 part methylene chloride IE paint stripper but check the label.
Use this outdoors, do not breathe, do not drink.........
It will expand with heat, so store appropriately
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