the best carb cleaner

[JimRB]

Most of the carbs on my 4 cycle engines, and even a 2 cycle engine have a fuel bowl. At least cut off the fuel and remove that bowl. Look for crud in the bowl. Sometimes if you are clever you can clean a main jet or a pilot jet without removing the carb. Seafoam has not done miracle work for me when carbs have been clogged. Removing jets and cleaning them has worked. I did have one carb that required the ultrasonic cleaner. Changed a fuel filter today on the 2 cycle lawn mower. It seems to have more top end speed running smoother with the new fuel filter.

 

[Peter 315]

I use Berryman B-12 carb cleaner in the gas tank........

 

[DEWFPO]

I've had really good results with sea foam under the circumstances you describe in all types of gasoline engines.

DEWFPO

 

[def38]

Most of the carbs on my 4 cycle engines, and even a 2 cycle engine have a fuel bowl. At least cut off the fuel and remove that bowl. Look for crud in the bowl. Sometimes if you are clever you can clean a main jet or a pilot jet without removing the carb. Seafoam has not done miracle work for me when carbs have been clogged. Removing jets and cleaning them has worked. I did have one carb that required the ultrasonic cleaner. Changed a fuel filter today on the 2 cycle lawn mower. It seems to have more top end speed running smoother with the new fuel filter.

Two stroke engines are more sensitive to fuel flow and quality than their 4 stroke counterparts. Keeping fresh fuel in a two stroke and draining it when finished help keep small carb passages and orifices clear of restrictive deposits. If you want to restore a fouled carburetor passage or orifice, use a solvent made for the job. Seafoam is of little help.

 

[weeder]

Well Thanks to all the advice, the fuel filter was just changed this spring as always so I will try some sea foam and if that doesn't work I guess I will tackle the carb. The plugs are also new too. Now I have to find some????

Thks weeder

 

[Robin Veerman]

My engine is hard to start and runs a little rough, was wondering what might be a good additive to add to the gas to help clean out the carb? This is on a John Deere 425 with a Kawasaki engine.

Thks Weeder

I'm real happy with Quickshot from Amsoil. I use it in all my small engines 2/4 stroke and my HD. I can grab my Honda generator and it fires right up, even if sat for a few months. ( I do try to exercise it monthly) I order Amsoil on-line and it shows up in just a few days. Free shipping this month too... Dutchy

Quickshot(R) - AMSOIL

 

[shovelmike]

Well Thanks to all the advice, the fuel filter was just changed this spring as always so I will try some sea foam and if that doesn't work I guess I will tackle the carb. The plugs are also new too. Now I have to find some????

Thks weeder

Many times it comes down to disassembly and cleaning, even with soaking the carb parts in cleaner I still use welding tip cleaner tool to run through the jets to open them back up. Those deposits can really harden in there.

 

[rScotty]

Most of the carbs on my 4 cycle engines, and even a 2 cycle engine have a fuel bowl. At least cut off the fuel and remove that bowl. Look for crud in the bowl. Sometimes if you are clever you can clean a main jet or a pilot jet without removing the carb. Seafoam has not done miracle work for me when carbs have been clogged. Removing jets and cleaning them has worked. I did have one carb that required the ultrasonic cleaner. Changed a fuel filter today on the 2 cycle lawn mower. It seems to have more top end speed running smoother with the new fuel filter.

That's worth repeating. It seems that this subject comes up each spring & here is how it usually ends up:

1. The problem is that today's gas doesn't last like the old stuff did. Today's gas eats up plastic carb parts, some fuel lines, & then evaporates to leave a residue.
2. Putting an additive in the gas may slow down the clogging process. But not always.
3. There isn't anything that you can put into the gas that will help if the carb already has the float valve and jets and passages clogged up with crud.
4. The only sure cure is to take the carb off & apart to physically remove the crud from inside the carb. Be sure to get all the passages clean.

 

[5030]

If I have a gummed up carb from weasel pee gas, I'll pull it and put it in a bucket of Berryman's Carb cleaner for 30 minutes. Stuff is amazing and reuseable too. Even comes with a dip basket for parts.

Best way not to get carb issues is don't use cheap gas.

 

[rScotty]

Best way not to get carb issues is don't use cheap gas.

There's truth in that. And don't use gasoline with alcohol in it. Stay away from both of those and you won't have many problems with gasoline or carburettors.