Re: carb cleaning to vat or not to vat
After 12 years of no use, the varnish in the carbs is going to be stuck on and hardened. It will need a good soak in cleaner to break it free and a close inspection to assure that.
Carb cleaner spray does a fair job of breaking up varnished up parts if the varnish is still gooey or there is a dirt issue. It's not made to clean out old hardened varnish... Even after "vat" cleaning a good carb cleaner works well to clean out any residual cleaner not rinsed out/blown out.
I can almost guarantee you will be doing this carb job over if not done right to begin with. Who is it that PS's their post with "If you don't do it right the first time, will you have the time to do it right the second time?"
Half a_ _ repairs are not worth the effort. If you took it to a repair shop you would expect it done right not "blown out". When it doesn't run right after the bill is paid, who do you whine and complain to? Soak time is free, labor is not.
Seriously, why even balk at this.... and yes, you will need new kits. The gaskets/seals get hard just as the varnish does. BTW... as long as you're at it, better be looking at fuel lines, filters and pumps and engine insides (like reeds and piston rings). Also new lower unit oil, a pressure check and a new water pump impeller. All good ideas for fun and worry free boating enjoyment.
