how do I clean my carbs?

[mlawson231]

i have a 1990 90 hp Force outboard on my 18' bayliner capri. I have had a big performance loss since I had it out last year. It sat for 8 months so I know it is probably due to dirty carbs. I drained and replaced the fuel before running it, but it is running about 10 mph short of normal.

Can anyone tell me how to clean my carbs properly? Will I need to buy any gaskets or anything? Can I use regular auto carb cleaner?

Thanks

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: how do I clean my carbs?

The cheap way is to take the carb apart and soak it in some type of cleaner (I use paint thinner). Let it soak for a day or so. After its done soaking you can get a thin piece of wire (bread tie) and run it through any small orifice you see then douche it with carb cleaner and put it back together. I have automotive gasket material on hand so I always make a new gasket that sits behind the carb. I have done it this way numerous times and have never had any problems.

I think there is "sticky threads" on this site on how to properly clean a carb. check the Johnson/Evinrude section.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: how do I clean my carbs?

Gaskets, 'O' rings, needle & seat, etc etc.

Buy a kit and do it properly then you don't have to revisit that job for a few years.

 

[RRitt]

Re: how do I clean my carbs?

for cleaning portion of rebuild i like pipe cleaners from drug store and a can of aerosol carb cleaner. You can get the jets and passageways nice and clean with a pipe cleaner.

I'm not a big fan of the chem-dip or other overnight soak. One of my past autos had seals on throttle shaft that were not listed as separate part number. The soak ruined them and it was difficult to get carbs fixed.

 

[john from md]

Re: how do I clean my carbs?

Your problem may be carbon build up and not just carb cleaning. Have you checked your compression lately? I suggest you do a compression check, record the readings, then do a decarb and after that, do another compression check. This will usually show if you had sticking rings and carbon build up. Just doing a good decarb usually results in more power.

Decarb procedures are in a sticky in the general info section.

Regards,

John