Carb cleaning

tshupe5

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 17, 2008
Messages
48
I am in the process of cleaning my carbs off of my 1987 Yamaha pro v 150 and am wondering if i can soak the carb bodies in carb cleaner. I have already soaked andcleaned all of the parts I stripped off of them and am ready to put everything back together. I bought the gumout carb and parts cleaner kit. I have heard some people say to soak the carb body and others say no> What to do anyone?
 

James R

Commander
Joined
Feb 1, 2007
Messages
2,679
Re: Carb cleaning

I have never used the GUM OUT Carb cleaner so I cannot vouch for that product. I use and have used for many years the Carb and parts cleaning kit from the makers of Gunk products. I obtain mine from Advance Auto. I can recommend that for soaking. It has not been a problem with plastic parts but I would not put any rubber parts in it. It removes the shellac gunge from carbs very well. Follow the instructions and all will be well. After going to all the trouble of cleaning be sure to use Stabil in your fuel. This should prevent a repeat performance for some time to come.
 

rodboltw

Cadet
Joined
Sep 26, 2008
Messages
15
Re: Carb cleaning

fuel bowls and jets are ok to soak.
DO NOT soak the body assyemblies.
the bodies can be carefully cleaned with a product like CRC 06064 carb cleaner
 

James R

Commander
Joined
Feb 1, 2007
Messages
2,679
Re: Carb cleaning

Rodboltw. You have my curiosity going. What is it about these Yamaha Carbs that makes them any different to say Suzuki that prevents them being soaked. I am not challenging your information but I would really like to know.
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: Carb cleaning

same reason trhat OMC for years said No to soaking the carb bodies.
some of the carbs have epoxied parts that may become damaged,some have nylon washers,rollers and throttle shaft seals that can swell or become damaged in a soak tank.
not all soak solutions are the same.
so as a general rule carb body soaking is a no no.
and there really isnt a need to soak the body assy as no fuel stays collected in the body just the fuel bowl assy on modern outboard stuff.
same reason we suggest dishwashing liquid for lubricating rubber parts instead of oil as a lubricant.
not knowing ALL types of rubber or knowing WHAT oil compounds are going to be used we simply say use dishwashing liquid and water.
would not be the first set of carbs I have seen destroyed by a soaking.
 

James R

Commander
Joined
Feb 1, 2007
Messages
2,679
Re: Carb cleaning

Rodbolt, your point is well taken and not all solvents are the same. All should be wary of what is put into a carb'. However I have used the Gunk products Carb and Parts cleaner Kit. A 1 gallon can with a cage. I have successfully used this product for some time on Suzuki,Yamaha,OMC,Mercury and Honda plus automotive carbs without problems. Care should be taken not to soak too long. Following the instructions on the can works.
Obviously the individual must choose. Short of having an Ultrasonic cleaner I see no other solution.
 
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