2 Cycle Carburetor Cleaner

[Bird]

There's been a number of products on the market for spraying or pouring into automotive carburetors with the engine running. But has anyone ever used one of the aerosol products on a 2 cycle engine? If so, which product and what kind of results did you get?

And the reason I ask. My little Mantis tiller was not running its best. So yesterday, I played with the carb adjustments and found it runs great with both low and high speed adjustment screws turned all the way counterclockwise, which of course just doesn't seem right. I did also check the exhaust screen and it's clear and clean.

Anyway, I've just wondered if I'd help or hurt it by spraying carb cleaner into the air intake with the engine running.

 

[jinman]

Bird, I'd sure be careful using cleaner on a 2-cycle. Since it has no oil mixed in, it might cause galling or scoring of the cylinder. If it were made exclusively for 2-cycles or was mixed with fuel, it would be less apt to cause a problem, but I'd think twice about just spraying in regular carb cleaner like Berryman B-12.

 

[jones6780]

If it were me I would just put Seafoam in the fuel or in a spray bottle and use it with the engine reved up.

 

[Bird]

Bird, I'd sure be careful using cleaner on a 2-cycle. Since it has no oil mixed in, it might cause galling or scoring of the cylinder. If it were made exclusively for 2-cycles or was mixed with fuel, it would be less apt to cause a problem, but I'd think twice about just spraying in regular carb cleaner like Berryman B-12.

Jim, that's just the reason I was asking. I found somewhere on the Internet where someon had the same opinion about causing gallin or scoring of the cylinder.

Since it's running great right now, I don't suppose I need to do anything for the time being, but I just wondered about spraying B-12, or maybe WD-40 in the air intake while the engine was revved up.

 

[Fixemall]

Disconnect the fuel line and run it on 100% sea foam till it smokes, shut it down with the choke and let it sit 12-24 hrs, reconnect line and it should run fine once the smoke clears.

 

[Bird]

If it were me I would just put Seafoam in the fuel or in a spray bottle and use it with the engine reved up.

I've no experience at all with Seafoam. In fact, on TBN is the only place I've even heard of it. I do use Stihl HP Ultra synthetic 2 cycle oil and add Stabil to the gas.

 

[s78wingrider]

Seafoam works for me :thumbsup::confused2:

 

[Fixemall]

Seafoam will work but, spraying it in will not expose it to the clogged jets, you must introduce it into the carb via the fuel line.

 

[ak9]

Bird
I've had sooo many issues with small engine carbs whether 2 stroke or four in the last 2-3 years.. unreal ! I replaced quite a few carbs ( Jacks smallengines.com) because of the "reformulated gas"(10% alcohol). The new alcohol mix seems to really mess with small engines.This is not my opinion ...proven fact. Unfortunatly for me is all that is available locally.
I also only run 93 octane & w/ Stihl HP Ultra synthetic in my 2 strokes.
I've added lead additive to my mix and it does seem to help along with stabil.
I also never leave any gas in the carb/ tank for any lenght of time after use
ak9

 

[johnk]

Try the seafoam Bird. I used it in my Chainsaw when the rope would barely pull and it worked like a champ.. Starts easy now and runs great.

 

[Scooby074]

Another vote for seaforam

If that fails, a teardown is in order. Watch the carb cleaners on any rubber on the carb (gaskets etc) , some cleaners really do a number on it.

 

[jones6780]

I got this link from one of the forums. Its a list of stations that sell ethanol free fuel, listed by state. Quite a few in Texas.

Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada

Russell

 

[ToadHill]

You can buy "Real" gas at most marina's. I get all my small engine fuel at the local marina.

 

[jbarker855]

Seafoam will work but, spraying it in will not expose it to the clogged jets, you must introduce it into the carb via the fuel line.

Fixemall is absolutely correct. You are unlikely to fix any gummed carburetor by simply spraying stuff in it while it is running. I always thought it was false advertising of sorts when you read these cans that tell you that you can fix a gummed carb by spraying their product in a running engine.
-Jay

 

[k9american]

Bird
I've had sooo many issues with small engine carbs whether 2 stroke or four in the last 2-3 years.. unreal ! I replaced quite a few carbs ( Jacks smallengines.com) because of the "reformulated gas"(10% alcohol). The new alcohol mix seems to really mess with small engines.This is not my opinion ...proven fact. Unfortunatly for me is all that is available locally.
I also only run 93 octane & w/ Stihl HP Ultra synthetic in my 2 strokes.
I've added lead additive to my mix and it does seem to help along with stabil.
I also never leave any gas in the carb/ tank for any lenght of time after use
ak9

Try StarTron instead of Stabil.

 

[Bird]

Unfortunately, the replies to this thread confirm what I suspected.:laughing: Oh well, it's running great right now without doing anything. So I appreciate all the replies.

 

[6sunset6]

I've no experience at all with Seafoam. In fact, on TBN is the only place I've even heard of it. I do use Stihl HP Ultra synthetic 2 cycle oil and add Stabil to the gas.

I may be wrong but I think I read that Stihl Ultra has stabilizer in in already.
Saves a step in the memory process.

 

[Bird]

I may be wrong but I think I read that Stihl Ultra has stabilizer in in already.
Saves a step in the memory process.

Oh, it does say right on the bottle "contains fuel stabilizers", but I add some Stabil anyway.

 

[Bird]

Anyway, it ran great today and dethatching the back yard wore me plumb out. I'd really just gotten started good when I made the first 2 photos and then had some help filling 8 contractor bags later.

 

[larryinparks]

The ethanol content in the new fuel formulations just ruins the fuel pumps and metering diaphragms in 2 cycle carburetors. Using a carburetor cleaner on a running machine would harm these components as well as the neoprene type tips on the metering and mixture needles.

Using the 89-92 octane gasoline and the best oil mix with stabilizing additives you can afford, is highly recommended. Run the tank and carb dry when you aren't going to use it for a few weeks or longer will also help tremendously.

We are rebuilding small engine carburetors constantly. About every two years it seems for most machines. Most kits are about $12. If you're mechanically inclined, it's pretty straightforward. Your local shop guy should be able to do it in 1/2 hour.

Also, your screws being 'all the way open', do they have limiter caps on them? Most limit what the consumer can do to the adjustment (because of the EPA standards).