ORIGINAL: PatrickCurry
Why would you not put the carb in there? All the pictures I've seen show the carb in the solution with all the rest of the parts. I understand if it's got a plastic throttle arm I would probably want to take that off but shouldn't the metal carb body be ok? Otherwise, how would you get that clean to match the rest of the engine?
If it is a metal carb, I put it in the soup, BUT, I keep the temp low at around 160 to 170 degrees. That shouldn't hurt a plastic carb, such as a Perry, HB or Irvine. I said "shouldn't". You must experiment on your own to confirm what is true or untrue. O-rings should probably be replaced anyway, so remove and discard them before stewing.
Ed Cregger