the best carb cleaner

[weeder]

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

 

[5030]

I use Sea Foam in a gallon jug. I add an ounce to every 5 gallon gas can of fuel for the mowers.

 

[def38]

Seafoam is of limited benefit for 4 stroke engines. It was originally developed for 2 stroke outboard motors.

Use a fuel system cleaner that contains PEA. I prefer Gumout or Techron. Both work well, are available at Walmart. Pick the cheapest. Either will remove fuel system varnish and deposits as well as clean up the valve stems and combustion chambers of carbon. Don't overdose. Follow the directions and be prepared to change engine oil after 10-20 hours of operation due to carbon soot in the oil. Thereafter, quality engine oil should be used to help keep the engine clean. Your fuel filter may need a change after treatment. While your engine is water cooled (I believe), I run Mobil1 5w-30 in my B&S Vtek twin. Synthetic engine oil in these smaller engines provides measurable benefits. Don't overlook valve lash adjustments...keeping the lash in spec can improve cold starts, improve engine power and help the engine run cooler. Also, clean and gap the sparkplugs. I always run plug gaps a little tight (0.003"-0.005" under spec)...helps cold starts.

 

[ArlyA]

I love seafoam and use it to stabilize all my occasional use engine fuels but I don't use it as a carb cleaner. I was trained as a marine mechanic and leaned about it X years ago and still use it today.

 

[WilliamBos]

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

Take the carb off, order a kit and clean/rebuild it.

 

[RalphVa]

Seafoam. Just throw a dollup into the tank.

It has worked so many times to fix a carb problem on 4 CYCLE ENGINIES.

Ralph

 

[5030]

Seafoam. Just throw a dollup into the tank.

It has worked so many times to fix a carb problem on 4 CYCLE ENGINIES.

Ralph

You get a million opinions on a site like this but I have to say I've had excellent results with seafoam so I keep on using it. I use their carb cleaner with the straw applicator on my GDI Ford engine every oil change.

 

[/pine]

IMO the best carb cleaner is a clean air and fuel filter...!!

 

[5030]

IMO the best carb cleaner is a clean air and fuel filter...!!

I'll agree with that to a point and that point is, when burning e-gas crap, anything can happen.

 

[def38]

Seafoam. Just throw a dollup into the tank.

It has worked so many times to fix a carb problem on 4 CYCLE ENGINIES.

Ralph

Check the MSDS for Seafoam;

1- Oil
2- Naphtha
3- IPA

Not much happening with Seafoam. Makes a good hand sanitizer.

 

[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.