Manifold carbon removal

[Lt.Mike]

I picked up an exhaust manifold with the elbow installed for a lowered exhaust to put on my Lo-Boy. (Clamp included). It was all less than the price of a new elbow and clamp and without the risk of cracking the manifold trying to get the other fitting out.
The PO made my cub vertical but I plan to return it to stock. The manifold I got has a heavy coating of carbon inside that I can remove with a needle scaler where I can reach but how to clean it out of the inside???
Anyone know of something can soak this in that might dissolve the carbon coating?

[tst]

I hit them with the sandblaster, 15 seconds later they look like new

[Eugene]

Number of ideas on the internet searching for carbon removal.

I would try some of the less caustic ideas at home. Outside, paint stripper or oven cleaner might work. The idea that would work best was to have a machine shop dip the manifold.

[Lt.Mike]

I hit them with the sandblaster, 15 seconds later they look like new

Tim but the inside! The carbon inside has to have reduced its flow by about 20% it’s so thick.
I was hoping to find something that I could soak it in that would dissolve it.
I just ordered the high temp gray coating from Eastwood Company and a lowered pipe with the Lo-boy muffler from TM.
Some other small parts were ordered as well like the front seal and sleeve for Paula’s Cub.

[Lt.Mike]

Number of ideas on the internet searching for carbon removal.

I would try some of the less caustic ideas at home. Outside, paint stripper or oven cleaner might work. The idea that would work best was to have a machine shop dip the manifold.

Thanks Eugene, I’ll give it a try.

[tst]

sandblaster makes the inside spotless in seconds, I see quite a few of them loaded up from running issues

[Dale Finch]

I also succesfully sandblasted a manifold. You just work the nozzle all around into all the openings...worked great. Yes, there MIGHT have been an area it didn't reach, but you could THEN use chemicals, if you were concerned, but I left well enough alone.

[Lt.Mike]

I have a HF blasting cabinet I’ve never used and a free standing sandblaster that I’ve used but makes a big mess. The barrel will need to be cleaned out as I’m sure the sand is like a brick.
Both will be a project to setup and make working before I can use them for the project I want to get to so I guess thats why I’ve been avoiding it. Is what it is I guess, better get to it.

[SONNY]

Carbon dont stand a chance against sandblaster! -----You will get the main part of it out in a short order with it. ---I don't know any liquid way of doing it.----heat might soften it some then blast it out ----IF it has a lot of oil in it,--I would toss it in a fire to burn the oil out OR use torch inside to burn the oil to dry it so it will come loose. -----Oil soaked carbon wont move!

[Lt.Mike]

If need be I’ll gently put over a fire.
On the torch...
Was on the lookout for a torch but there’s been an issue with the date and DOT stamps being absent or out of hydro date on the tanks I've found. Found that a lot go up for sale because they can’t get them filled, it’s a buyer beware thing.

[Bob McCarty]

Was on the lookout for a torch but there’s been an issue with the date and DOT stamps being absent or out of hydro date on the tanks I've found.

Our welding supply store, that refills tanks, will test and recertify them. You might check to see what that cost is and how that relates to the price of the used tanks.

[rockfarmer]

100 % Bio-diesel if you can find it. Another name - soy methyl ester. It will do the trick and is biodegrade.

[Lt.Mike]

Got to get moving on this as I received an order from TM today. Lowered exhaust with the proper muffler and hardware along with some other needed items.