I have my carb torn down for a cleaning and rebuild. I went as far as the clymer manual said to go on the tear down and I am wondering if I can stick the main piece of the carb in carb cleaner with it having what appears to be a rubber type gasket on the flat side of the carb where it is bolted together (see pic). I want to clean it out good but I dont want to ruin/degrade the gasket. Ideas?
Try boiling it in lemon juice for 30 mins or so. Its gonna stink so I'd do it on a grill outside of you can. Worked for a buddy of mine who wasn't a believer in boiling the junk out. You'd be surprised what it gets out even after a thorough standard cleaning.
If you think lemon juice might be too harsh, straight water works like a charm as well