how to clean the AK gas tube

[anotherAndrew]

I’m a bit of a stickler for keeping my gear spotless, but the gas tube on my MAK 90 is driving me crazy
no matter what I do, I’m still getting carbon out of there. I’ve already tried a 12 gauge brush and a few different cleaners, but it still looks dirty
how are you guys actually scrubbing these out? or is it one of those things where you just accept a little carbon and move on?

 

[Alan]

To be fair, it's not supposed to be spotless, so a bit of staining isn't an issue as long as it's not flaky or chunky and the piston moves freely. If you're really after making it spotless, you could try with a bit of heat, or you can soak it in a solvent, something like Bore Tech C4 for example.

How long have you had it for?

Also, welcome to the forum!

 

[blackCoffee]

’m a bit of a stickler for keeping my gear spotless, but the gas tube on my MAK 90 is driving me crazy
no matter what I do, I’m still getting carbon out of there.

Try a carbon remover like Bore Tech C4 or Slip 2000 Carbon Killer. Let the tube soak for 15 minutes to soften the baked-on stuff, then hit it with that 12 gauge brush.

 

[Phillip5]

Have you tried the old school boiling water and dish soap method? Put the tube in a bucket, pour boiling water through it, and scrub.
The heat expands the metal and breaks up the baked-on carbon better than most chemicals. Just make sure to dry it immediately and hit it with a light coat of oil so it doesn't flash-rust

 

[GF3]

Have you tried the old school boiling water and dish soap method? Put the tube in a bucket, pour boiling water through it, and scrub.
The heat expands the metal and breaks up the baked-on carbon better than most chemicals. Just make sure to dry it immediately and hit it with a light coat of oil so it doesn't flash-rust

That is a great idea and so simple.

 

[GF3]

I read somewhere about using a shot gun barrel brush on the gas tube. Anyone try that?