Stop surface rust forming after Q-jet rust remover soak

Discussion in 'The Venerable Q-Jet' started by Q8 GS, Jul 31, 2020.

  1. Q8 GS

    Q8 GS Well-Known Member

    I'm in the process of rebuilding my Q-jet and had it soaked overnight with WD 40 rust remover soak. This cleaned it to bare metal and some parts are already starting to rust after rinsing and letting it dry. If anyone knows a better way or has some advice on preventing this and cleaning it the right way, please let me know.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Stage 2 iron

    Stage 2 iron 480 IRON HEAD STAGE 2

    Hate to say it but it looks like you soaked in the wrong cleaner.
     
  3. Q8 GS

    Q8 GS Well-Known Member

    That’s what I was afraid to hear. Had to use whatever is supposed to be safe I had locally, they didn’t have carb cleaner soak. I need to find a way to fix this carb. This is a nightmare.
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2020
  4. techg8

    techg8 The BS GS

    Carb cleaner spray often has light oil in it to help prevent oxidation.

    Any type of stripping agent will leave the metals exposed and susceptible to rust.

    If it's an acidic agent, rinse with baking soda and water to neutralize residual acid and then again with water.

    Always apply a light oil to prevent flash oxidation immediately after cleaning.
     
  5. Q8 GS

    Q8 GS Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the tip, Ken. It's an acid-free agent and I do have the gumout carb cleaner and a heavy-duty corrosion inhibitor. I will apply the carb cleaner after the rinse and see how it goes. Thanks again.
     
  6. Cliff R

    Cliff R Well-Known Member

    Once you remove all the zinc plating from the metal parts they need to be stripped and zinc plated to prevent rust.

    I would also have the main casting and airhorn re-colored at the same time.

    I just had a customer bring a "restored" carb in here done by a shop out West someplace. It was completely stripped of all plating with a bead blaster then clear coated with paint. NOT a good way to restore a carb, IMHO.

    You are half way there now, might as well finish the journey..........FWIW.......Cliff
    Buick Qjet 003.jpg
     
  7. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    I'd always disassembled the carbs before soaking.
     
  8. Q8 GS

    Q8 GS Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the help, Cliff. The carb cleaner seems to be doing a good job at preventing rust. I’m thinking to use a clear coat enamel for the choke plates and linkages, as I don’t have the availability for a zinc plating service here unless I send them over to you.
     
  9. Cliff R

    Cliff R Well-Known Member

    I don't want em. About the only work I'm taking in is nice/pretty "restored" and "rebuilt" carburetors done elsewhere that don't work, plus a few Marine units. The plating and coloring castings is too labor intensive now that I'm here by myself and close to retirement so I'm not doing any more of it.......
     
  10. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    I think Fred Catlin is back to plating again.

    His number is in the GSCA newsletter.
     
  11. Daves69

    Daves69 Too many cars too work on

    I believe the original poster is located in Kuwait so shipping would be a problem.

    The best thing to do is buy a used carb have it rebuilt and then send it to you.
     
    Brett Slater likes this.

Share This Page