Are all ultrasonic cleaners created equal?

[Michael_in_DE]

Is a an expensive dental ultrasonic cleaner the same as any other ultrasonic cleaner?

How are these on cleaning 2cycle carbs? does the carb have to be broken down completely for it to be fully cleaned?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

No, they are not created equal...BUT.....

I have several L&R USA, including the big one that is like $3k MSRP...and I wanted a specific size so I ordered the dime-a-dozen copy cat style import from eBay/Amazon and here's what I found:

If the L&R does it in 5 minutes, it takes the import 7 minutes.

The USA ones *usually* have more and more powerful transducers. A USA one may have 8 where the import has 6.

My import gets used the most and I probably run it a couple times a week for 20+ minutes. Still going strong and the heater still works.

They totally kick **** on things like carbs. You do not need line of sight, you just need the liquid to be full inside...as in no air bubbles inside the bowl etc...best to take apart, but if not put in liquid and turn/rotated to get air out.

 

[humpty]

I would argue that the intended environment is a big factor as well. I am betting the dental U/S unit has a decent duty rating, it may not have the same level of protection as an industrial one though.

My life has been in manufacturing so I like the industrial brands, I have a Branson but there are lots of nice units out there.

Mohawk Dave is spot on, I would add be careful what you use as a cleaning agent, they can be aggressive and ruin aluminum parts. Also be careful if you want the carb to stay the same color, some chemicals in an U/S with heat can change that nice light grey aluminum color to a darker color. On critical parts start mild and work your way up.

 

[Davefr]

Most of the no name Chinese US cleaners are OEM'd by Bejing Ultrasonics. They are pretty good value. The high end/name brand US cleaners (ex: Elmasonic, Crest, L&R) typically have features like sweep which better distributes the energy within the tank, they also have much more robust heaters. You can get them with dual frequency and automatic frequency shift. Higher frequency is better for small delicate cleaning and is also a lot quieter.

My Elmasonic P120H 15L unit has a 1000 watt heater which brings the bath temp up very quickly. The no name 15L Chinese units come with wimpy 400 watt heaters which will take forever to heat. A heated bath really helps with cleaning. The high end units usually have a degass mode which IMHO isn't really needed. The price difference between Chinese and the high end brands is substantial. (ie >10X).

Ultrasonic energy is pretty much limited to around 60 watts per transducer.

 

[belvedere]

I would add be careful what you use as a cleaning agent, they can be aggressive and ruin aluminum parts. Also be careful if you want the carb to stay the same color, some chemicals in an U/S with heat can change that nice light grey aluminum color to a darker color. On critical parts start mild and work your way up.

Which cleaners do you like for carbs?

 

[plcguru]

Which cleaners do you like for carbs?

I like this(its like their aircraft cleaner but purple)but don't recommend their green stuff...
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simple-Green-128-oz-Pro-HD-Heavy-Duty-Cleaner-2110000413421/100550784

 

[humpty]

Yea I have had not great luck with the green SG and aluminum parts, changes the color. I have not tried the purple version.

I have some Northwest Enterprises U/S engine cleaner, it does a decent job. They have a few different flavors.

There is lots of homebrews as well, pine sol, vinegar, etc.

Just remember, a little goes a long ways, the U/S is doing the work, the agent is just there to help. Also rinse thoroughly with plain water when you are done.

 

[Rinspeed]

Which cleaners do you like for carbs?

Dawn soap at 5 or 10% works just fine.