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Thread: Dirty Carburetor

  1. #1
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    Default Dirty Carburetor

    I have two outboards on my boat - a 40 and a 5 hp - the 5 is a 4 stroke Mercury - during the fishing season it wasn't running too good but I put up with it - the other day I was going to run it awhile after putting sta-bit in the gas getting it ready for the winter - it would start but wouldn't run very long - I figured that it was a fuel problem so I disconnected the hose to the carb and verified that gas was reaching it - I then took the carb off the engine and took it apart - wow - when I took off the fuel bowl the inside was almost completely filled with some jeffy type crap - no wonder it wouldn't run right - what gets me is that I faithfully always put fuel stabilizer in the gas and still this crap formed - it seems like a carb cleaning needs to be a routine maintenance procedure anymore

    I know that most outboard manufactures recommend that for long term storage you run the engine with a stabilizer in the fuel - years ago we always ran the motor after unhooking the fuel line and let the engine run out of fuel and stop - that way the carb is empty of fuel - I kinda thinking maybe that would be better than letting fuel sit in the carb all winter long

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  3. #2
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    I no longer buy the lower octane 87 for any of my seasonal motors. I find burning an 89 or 91 octane is actually cheaper in the long run as I no longer have to buy stabilizer or carb cleaners for storage and I do get better mileage and more responsive hp from the higher octane.

  4. #3
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    I'm on the other side of the fence, I run everything dry. I know, there are those that will lament that all the seals will dry out and cause problems. I've got a 40+ year old snowblower that still works fine after running it dry each year. The carb has never been opened. The only thing I use is Seafoam, great cleaner. I think mfgrs recommend stabilizer so they will see you you for repairs.

  5. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fisherman View Post
    I'm on the other side of the fence, I run everything dry. I know, there are those that will lament that all the seals will dry out and cause problems. I've got a 40+ year old snowblower that still works fine after running it dry each year. The carb has never been opened. The only thing I use is Seafoam, great cleaner. I think mfgrs recommend stabilizer so they will see you you for repairs.
    yep, any of the new fuel with ethanol is crap, drain it when storing equipment if possible

  6. #5
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    I run high test because here it is ethanol free.
    I also run some SeaFoam in the gas.
    Best thing since sliced bread.




    _____________________________________
    Living proof that "beer builds better bellies".

  7. #6
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    X 2 on the Seafoam... Great stuff. I also use it on diesel equipment as well...
    SkyBlue Big Game Blueticks

  8. #7
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    The issue with regular gas is the ethanol in it. It will attract water and that is the jelly you saw in the float bowl. I run premium in all my small engines without issue. I use seafoam when I think to put it in and run the carb dry for storage with out any issues.

  9. #8
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    I have a couple of outboards, and numerous pieces of equipment. I also oversee property management for a Municipality, and have a large number of small engine equipment with that.

    Every tank gets 91 octane, and a bit of Sea Foam. Every jerry can gets the same. We have ZERO issues with fuel, carb etc.

    Sta-bil and other stabilizers are cr@p
    "Camo" is perfectly acceptable as a favorite colour.

    Proud member - Delta Waterfowl, CSSA, and OFAH

  10. #9
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    I am a big fan of running my outboards, power auger and gennie, etc dry at the end of the season. Sea foam is amazing stuff so I do put it in my fuel (Premium) to stabilize it on occasion.

    I learned a valuable lesson about Sea Foam this past week. I was up bird hunting a few weeks ago and a buddy of mine told me to put some Sea Foam in my cheap little 1500 Watt Champion Gennie as it running a little rough. He told me you can run the motor on straight Sea Foam so it doesn't matter how much you add. We gave it a healthy dose. Initially it ran good and then it became sluggish and eventually to the point it would not longer run anymore.

    I tore the carb apart and noticed black chunks (small) all through the gas. I would bleed the gas off till the chunks disappeared, clean the card and put her back together. She would barely start. I opened her back up and there was black crap in the gas again. I did this four times and the black stuff was there every time and it would never run.

    The last time, I drained the tank and filled it with fresh Premium fuel, cleaned the carb again and replaced the fuel line. It now purred like a kitten.

    I believe the strong Sea Foam was breaking down the cheap Chinese rubber (?) fuel line.

    I have heard it is tough on seals and never believed that before - till now. Sea Foam is great stuff but I would follow the directions on the bottle and I will always continue to run my motors dry for storage.
    Last edited by Muskyhunter; October 24th, 2017 at 08:05 AM.

  11. #10
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    I put sea foam in everything and run premium fuel. I also run my outboard dry before stowing. Couple years ago if got stored without this procedure and I paid the price.
    I’m suspicious of people who don't like dogs, but I trust a dog who doesn't like a person.

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