A fuel additive like Sea Foam SF-16 is the easiest means to clean and maintain a carburetor. All you do is add it to your fuel tank a few times a year and you can help keep your jets clear of gunk and blockages. This type of cleaner may also help improve fuel efficiency and improve emissions.
Can I use Gumout Fuel Injector Cleaner in an engine with a carburetor? Yes. Carburetor deposits are typically easier to clean than fuel injector deposits, and the chemistry used in the fuel injector cleaner will also effectively clean carburetors.
Add B-12 Chemtool Fuel Additive
We recommend adding B-12 Chemtool Total Fuel System Clean-Up (part #2616) at 1 oz/gal and topping off with fresh gasoline. This additive will thoroughly clean the fuel line, carburetor (internally and externally), intake valve(s), and combustion chamber.
Most automotive experts agree that properly maintained newer cars won't benefit much from aftermarket fuel additives (the kind you add to your gas tank). These vehicles may show small benefits in longevity and efficiency from pump gasoline with additives such as detergents.
Apart from this, fuel additives affect the carbon particles of the engine so much that the injectors start spraying more fuel after some time. On excessive use, it sometimes removes the protection layer of the piston, which also increases the risk of reducing the life of the engine.
Internal components, O2 sensors, and catalytic converters can all be damaged by harsh chemicals. That's why some automakers advise against the use of fuel additives. Cleaning any component of any engine can always open other cans o' worms and reveal deeper issues. Or cause them.
STP® High Mileage Fuel Injector Cleaner is safe for use with carbureted engines.
Product Description
STP® Diesel Injector Cleaner is specially formulated to help restore diesel engine performance and efficiency by dissolving harmful deposits. It also smooths out rough idling, helps to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The difference will, in most cases, be noticed within 50 miles.
For the first dose, simply install when you have a full tank of gas. It's that simple. From there, many experts will probably tell you that you should add a fuel injector cleaner to your gasoline every time you fill your tank up.
WD40 is a water dispersant and light lubricant. It is not a cleaner. While you certainly don't want water in your float bowls this is not the best way to achieve that result. No you can't use wd40 or any other brand of spray oil as a carburetor cleaner, that's oil.
With engine running:
Spray down and around the carburetor throat to remove deposits from the throttle plate area. Do not spray down carburetor throat with engine off. Do not spray below throttle plate. Choke: If choke sticks, remove choke cover and spray.
Use carburetor cleaner to remove deposits, clogs & debris
Deposits inside the carburetor can clog fuel and air passages and reduce performance or stop the engine altogether. Luckily, you can take care of many of these problems quickly and easily; often without even removing the carburetor from the engine.
You can easily add too much of a high-quality diesel fuel additive. What happens when you over-treat your diesel fuel? Overdosing can lead to a whole new list of fuel and engine issues from clogged filters to overall decreased engine performance and efficiency.
Is it worth adding to your gas tank? In short, when used regularly, fuel cleaners work. They can help remove harmful deposits, prevent new deposits from forming, and enhance vehicle performance. Fuel additives can improve gas mileage, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and they're affordable.
The reality is that it doesn't matter how much fuel is currently in the tank. The key is to ensure that regardless of the current fuel level, whether nearly empty or three-quarters full when you administer the additive, fill up on top immediately afterward.