Soda Blasting Carbs and Other Nasty Parts

[BaldEagle]

So I got my '96 VLX Project and wow it was nasty. The previous owner should be beaten for letting it get in this bad of shape, but thanks to him you now will learn how to easily clean some parts. Thanks to Mine20 for suggesting this process. I did a little research and have to say that this is GREAT!

Tools/Materials Required:
Air Gun Attachment ($7.99-Harbor Frieght)
3-5' of 7/16" Hose ($0.27 per foot-Lowes)
Box Knife
Electrical Tape
Dowel/Rod 8-10"
***The only obstacle to this method***
Air compressor-At least 20-25 gallon that can handle the constant air spray
Baking Soda ($1.17 for large box-Wal-Mart)
You can purchase baking soda in bulk from Costco or Sam's, but I do not have a membership for either. You can also purchase bulk quantities from pool supply stores, but did not have time to get to one so I used the boxes from Wally World.

*Safety gear such as goggles, dust mask and clothes that you are not about to go on a Saturday Night date. The cloths will wash, it's freaking baking soda...they may be more fresh than any of your other laundry to dirty pig!

http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n513/i2imartialarts/Shadow%20VLX/TCU%20BBO/2011-12-27195856.jpg

How to make the gun...
Step 1
Measure 2" from one end of the hose and cut a small hole to insert air gun needle
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n513/i2imartialarts/Shadow%20VLX/TCU%20BBO/2011-12-27195933.jpg

Step 2
Insert needle and tape hole sealing the hole and securing the gun to the hose. I taped the hose to the guy on down to help secure the hose so I did not have to wrestle with it. This creates the venturi suction effect to pull the soda from the container.
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n513/i2imartialarts/Shadow%20VLX/TCU%20BBO/2011-12-27200219.jpg

Step 3
Tape the rod/dowel to the other end of the hose to keep it from curling up in the container.

Step 4
Get to CLEANING!!!

Here are some before pics of my carbs...
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n513/i2imartialarts/Shadow%20VLX/TCU%20BBO/2011-12-25130924.jpg

Inside the bowls...
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n513/i2imartialarts/Shadow%20VLX/TCU%20BBO/2011-12-25132502.jpg

The other one was worse!
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n513/i2imartialarts/Shadow%20VLX/TCU%20BBO/2011-12-25142047.jpg

After a little blasting...
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n513/i2imartialarts/Shadow%20VLX/TCU%20BBO/2011-12-28210508.jpg

http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n513/i2imartialarts/Shadow%20VLX/TCU%20BBO/2011-12-28210704.jpg

After blasting you will need to do a warm water rinse and blow off/out the water with the air gun (no soda this time dummy) and they will be good as new and no residue!

Here is the front brake caliper before...
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n513/i2imartialarts/Shadow%20VLX/TCU%20BBO/2011-12-24160840.jpg

After...
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n513/i2imartialarts/Shadow%20VLX/TCU%20BBO/2011-12-27205335.jpg

Good luck, now get that nasty bike clean you dirty rascal you!

[BaldEagle]

I cleaned the rear break drum as well and while cleaning I noticed that it completely knocked off the surface rust from the break arm. I will be cleaning the front wheels and was planning on painting, but before I do I will soda blast and see how much surface rust it removes and report back.

[ahjort]

Looks like a winner! That MINE dude is on pretty fart smeller, I mean smart feller!!
Keep us posted on the wheels!

[BaldEagle]

Wife unit just accused me of buying new carbs, she said there is no way those are the same ones...lol!

[Poseidon]

I'm impressed. Im going to have to keep this one in the back of my mind. Great post.

[Mine20]

Looks GREAT Bryon!! Im glad it all worked out. Not bad for under $10. I found this on the Kawasaki forum I'm on. Great process, über cheap (if you have a compressor already.) I can't get over how clean yours came out. Of the several posts I've read and videos I've seen I have never seen them that clean.

Ahjort - sniff sniff bro. Lmao!!!!

[Mine20]

You keeping the wheels? Try blasting the spokes.

[tclemens]

That is fuckin awesome im realy impressed

[03ACE]

I saw this somewhere too, and it works awesome, especially on aluminum!