Carb rebuild....why so soon?

[brick75]

Was just informed by my shop that I need to have my carb rebuilt. I was surprised to hear this, is it normal for this service to be needed on a 2005 with only 105 hours on the engine? He did mention that the ethanol gas does help drive the problem, but I'm wondering if this is also being caused by something that me or the original owner did or neglected to do?

 

[sschefer]

Re: Carb rebuild....why so soon?

Was just informed by my shop that I need to have my carb rebuilt. I was surprised to hear this, is it normal for this service to be needed on a 2005 with only 105 hours on the engine? He did mention that the ethanol gas does help drive the problem, but I'm wondering if this is also being caused by something that me or the original owner did or neglected to do?

Not unusual at all for a marine engine. Just use StaBil with every fill up and you might go another 6 years.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Carb rebuild....why so soon?

It might just be "carb rebuild day" at the shop. 6 years is too quick, unless you got it really gunked up with old fuel.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Carb rebuild....why so soon?

What he's calling "rebuild" is most probably just a good cleaning. If you use Stabil all the time in your fuel and install a fuel/water separator type canister filter, then you may not have to clean/rebuild carb again for many years. The Stabil and filter are a whole lot cheaper than the rebuild! One other trick is to drain your carb float chamber(if it has a drain plug) a few times a year to be sure no water or debris is in it. My motor is a 1999 and carbs never been cleaned...runs like brand new!

 

[Don S]

Re: Carb rebuild....why so soon?

Water and dirt are the causes of needing a carb rebuild. Does the fuel filter get changed on schedule (Yearly)?

 

[brick75]

Re: Carb rebuild....why so soon?

In the two years that I've owned the boat, I have replaced the fuel filter yearly. I can't say for sure if the original owner did or not. Perhaps that was part of the problem.

I'll definitely be using sta-bil at every fill up from now on. I've always used it for winter storage, but didn't realize it was so important during the summer as well.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Carb rebuild....why so soon?

You can use a lesser/minimum dosage of Stabil while you're using the boat on a daily basis, then increase the dosage according to how long the fuel is going to be sitting in the tank/carb. That Stabil and the fuel/water separator are great preventive maintenance items, and like I said, a whole lot cheaper than carb rebuilds and cleaning. Check and see if that carb has a drain plug in it! Good Luck!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Carb rebuild....why so soon?

Ayuh,... I've personally seen a spike in fuel related issues in the last few years... 'n I don't mean in Just my barges either...

I believe it's the stuff their callin' Gasoline myself....
It still smells like gasoline, but it don't always act like gasoline anymore....

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Carb rebuild....why so soon?

Most gasoline today is 90%/10% gas/ethanol. Modern gas ages quickly and fuel breaks down--leaving an acid that attacks rubber parts in fuel systems. Unfortunately, Stabil breaks down as fast or faster as 90/10 gasoline.

It's not unusual for a 6 year old engine to need a good carb cleaning. Get yourself a repair manual, and tackle the job yourself. Rebuilding carbs is not rocket science, and completely within the abilities of most boat users.

I would suggest being on the lookout for a gas station that sells 100% gasoline--often available @ $.10 more than 90/10. It doesn't break down quite as fast.

Another maintenance option is to run your fuel tank down very low gas levels at the end of the year--and dilute the old gasoline in the Spring with a full tank of new gasoline. Stabil won't hurt, either.