Cleaning your carburetor and brakes is a crucial step in maintaining them. Not only does it help to prolong their lifespan, but it also helps to increase their optimal performance. So what do you need to know about the cleaners used to clean carburetors and brakes?
Keep reading to learn why and how to use carb cleaner spray. And if it is okay to Spray brake cleaner in carb to start.
What is Carb Cleaner?
Carb cleaner is a chemical additive predominantly used for cleaning carbon debris from Carburetors. As stated earlier, carb cleaners are manufactured to remove carbon debris from carburetors. But it can be used for other parts too! This means it can be used for multi-purpose.
The main ingredients in carb cleaners are Acetone, Xylene, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Propane, Toluene, 2-Buxtoethnol, and Ethylene Benzene.
Carb cleaner uses
Carb cleaners are used for removing carbon debris from the carburetor. You can use it to remove heavy varnish and gunk from the inside and outside a vehicle’s carburetor. If the carburetor is not cleaned periodically, it will affect the vehicle’s mileage and performance.
To use the carb cleaner, you need to disassemble it. However, you can clean it without dissembling the carburetor. Next, you need to remove the air cleaner unit.
What is a brake cleaner?
Brake cleaner is mainly manufactured for cleaning brake disks. But it can also be used for cleaning the engine compartment and underfloor of a motor vehicle. There are two types of brake cleaner in the market: chlorinated, non-flammable, and non-chlorinated, which is flammable.
Chlorinated brake cleaner contains organochlorides like tetrachloroethylene and dichloromethane. It is more effective than the non-chlorinated one. The chlorine atoms increase the effectiveness of its chemical. It cleans fast, dries quickly, and leaves no residue. It is non-flammable. Still, it is toxic.
Non Chlorinated brake cleaner is mainly comprised of hydrogen. As mentioned in the name, it doesn’t contain chlorinated solvents. Therefore, it takes longer to dry than the chlorinated cleaner.
Brake cleaner uses
Brake cleaners are mainly applied for cleaning metallic parts or surfaces. Oils, fats, or grease prevent the car’s brake system from working properly. Brake cleaner effectively removes brake fluid, grease, oil, and hardened deposits, allowing the brake system to perform properly.
They can remove all types of grease, brake fluid, oil, etc.
Key brake cleaner features;
- Reduces brake disc squeal and clutch chatter
- Saves time and reduces maintenance costs
- It can be used without disassembly
- Degreases instantly
- Evaporates quickly
- 360-degree spray system means you can spray from all angles, even upside down.
Carb cleaner vs. brake cleaner
Below are the main Carb cleaner versus brake cleaner differences;
| Carb Cleaner | Brake Cleaner |
| Carb cleaner is mainly manufactured for cleaner carbon deposits from carburetors. | Brake cleaner is manufactured for cleansing brake fluid, grease, oil, and hardened deposits. |
| The ingredients in carb cleaners are Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Toluene, 2-Buxtoethnol, Xylene, Propane, and Ethylene Benzene. | Organochlorides like tetrachloroethylene and dichloromethane are there in a Chlorinated brake cleaner. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner comprises heptane, acetone, and carbon dioxide. |
| Carb cleaner is not less aggressive. | Brake cleaner is more aggressive than carb cleaner |
| Carb cleaner need not be oil-free. However, it leaves an oily residue, allowing the engine to function better. | On the other hand, brake cleaners must be oil-free. If it leaves a slight oily residue on the brake system, it can cause serious problems |
| Carb cleaner cannot be used on brake systems as it is not oil-free. In contrast, any cleaner for the brake system should be oil-free. | Brake cleaner can be used for carburetors in limited instances. It can remove hardened grease debris like carb cleaner. |
| Carb cleaner will turn the process into goo if you wear nitrile gloves. | It would be best to put on gloves while using brake cleaner, and it works perfectly while wearing gloves. |
Can you use brake cleaner in the carburetor?
Yes, you can use brake cleaner on the engine. The brake cleaner additive was manufactured for removing brake fluid, grease, oil, and hardened deposits. So you can apply the brake cleaner as a makeshift cleaner in the carburetor.
Note: cleaner is powerful and may damage rubber, plastics, painted surfaces, or electrical components, so it should be used carefully and only on non-painted metal components.
If you have electrical components that need to be cleaned, use PJ1 Contact Cleaner. This cleaner can remove carbon build-up, dirt, and dust from electrical components without harming them.
Can you use carb cleaner on brake pads?
Yes, you can use brake cleaner on brake pads. You can further use it on brake linings, cylinders, drums, brake shoes, and brake discs.
Best brake cleaner alternatives
- You can use denatured alcohol for brake systems. Denatured alcohol / non-potable ethanol or any alcohol will work just as well as a brake cleaner.
- Bulk acetone in a compressed air sprayer is the cheapest substitute for non-chlorinated brake cleaner.
- You can also use lemon juice to clean brake rotors. The car brake cleaner uses a highly volatile solvent and leaves no residue. This is probably the most effective you can use, especially on oil or grease spills on brake rotors and pads.
- WD40 is suitable not only for disc and drum brakes but also for metal clutch components. The powerful cleaner removes grease, oil, brake dust, brake fluid, greasy handles, and all types of dirt.
Best Carb cleaner alternatives
Here are the best substitutes to use instead of carb cleaner;
- Brake cleaner is another alternative to carburetor cleaner. It can be safely used on the carburetor and is formulated so that, like the carburetor cleaner, it dissolves grease and dirt deposits. Brake cleaner is a great all-purpose cleaner, but you need to know the brand you are using.
- You can use WD40, but its effectiveness will only be as good as its pressurized value. But spraying WD-40 on an IAC is pointless. It won’t do a thing for carbon deposits.
- You can also use compressed air or computer air blowers. This will do a good job of removing dirt and debris.