Alternatives to Carb Cleaner?

[JonRB]

I've got a problem with the Idle Stabilisation Valve on my Corrado at the moment and it has been suggested that I clean it out with Carburettor Cleaner before considering an expensive replacement.

Trouble is that my local Halfrauds* don't stock it and I don't think the pimply-faced gimp of an assistant (sic) even knew what a carburettor was (I knew it was futile to ask, to be honest).

I have WD40, 3-in-1 Penetrating Spray, Holts Wet-Start and Electrical Switch-Cleaning spray at home. Would any of those be suitable?

Otherwise I guess it's off to Camberley Autofactors whenever I get the chance (or persuade the wife to go in for me). Sigh.

(* - Halfords is the only place I can get to of a lunchtime in the week)

>>> Edited by JonRB on Tuesday 12th October 23:36

[andygo]

Thinners should do. Its only to dissolve the build up of carbon. Not generally a long term fix on any Golg iv'e ever owned I am afraid.

Don't be a mingebag, buy a new one they are only £80!

seriously, hope it works, I hate paying loads of money for stuff that doesn't make the car go any faster.

[JonRB]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I refer my learned friend to the evidence already presented....

JonRB said:

I've got a problem with the Idle Stabilisation Valve on my Corrado at the moment and it has been suggested that I clean it out with Carburettor Cleaner before considering an expensive replacement.

The ISV is basically a motorised valve and mine appears to have stopped working.

Buying a replacement from an OEM like "Euro Car Parts" or "German, Swedish & French" will set me back about £138 + carriage + VAT and I hate to think what a dealer would charge. So cleaning the existing one first seems to be a reasonable response - after all, I can't make it any worse.

I've been told that Carb Cleaner would be ideal for the job, hence my original question.

>> Edited by JonRB on Tuesday 12th October 23:40

[matt_t16]

Empty half a can of "Trade Size" WD40 through it, that should clean it out.

Matt

[JonRB]

Doesn't WD-40 leave a residue? Will that be ok?

[BlackStuff]

matt_t16 said:

Empty half a can of "Trade Size" WD40 through it...

...or perhaps the entire contents of a smaller can???

[matt_t16]

JonRB said:

Doesn't WD-40 leave a residue? Will that be ok?

Only if it dries so if you give it a quick blow out, or just pop it straight back on the car and run it it'll be fine. I've done it a fair few times without a problem.

Failing this a can of Gunk or Jizer will do the same job with less (about half a normal can ) but Gunk stinks the workshop out like you wouldn't believe.

Matt

[love machine]

Carb cleaner= Acetone= Nail varnish remover (that's diluted though). Acetone will cut through the clag more effectively than paint thinners. After all, petrol is a cracking solvent and if petrol doesn't clean it then what will?

Go down to your fibreglass supplier or pharmacist and see if he can sort you out with some pure acetone. It's great stuff, just don't get it near any paint or plastic.

[ARH]

had this issue big time with a cavalier I used to own. I used carb cleaner, which is easily available from any motor factors, I filled the valve with carb cleaner and left it to soak overnight, it was a real pian to start the next day but it worked and fixed the problem.

[dontlift]

Jon,

If you need carb cleaner i can post you some down drop me a line if you need it

[JonRB]

love machine said:

Carb cleaner = Acetone

That's funny. I asked my 60 year-old dad the same question last night as he used to be quite the home / hobby mechanic in his youth. He told me to go down to my pharmacist and try to get some acetone too.

Looks like he hasn't lost it after all.

[JonRB]

dontlift said:

If you need carb cleaner i can post you some down drop me a line if you need it

Thanks dontlift. I'm going to try to persuade my wife to pop into Camberley AutoFactors for me but if either they don't have it or she won't, then I'll take you up on your kind offer.

>> Edited by JonRB on Wednesday 13th October 08:43

[Ribol]

Forget the WD40, that will not clean it. Carb cleaner is the right way to go, failing that brake cleaner will do the same job.

Ivan