Re: Sea Foam alternative
Davy, depending on what year motor you have, if you have a primer rather than a choke system, than you can get the Engine Tuner that has the Shraeder valve on it that fits right on top of the primer solenoid, this will accomplish the same thing as spraying it down the carb throats, and may in fact work better, and is definitely easier than pulling the carb cover off.
Also it's an easy way to just stick it on and do a de-carb throughout the season, depending on how many hours you put on it. I usually decarb twice a season.
As for the question of synthetics giving less smoke, it's true they do, and less smoke means less carbon build up, and also more money. XD-100 is even better than XD-50, and more expensive. But do it for the engine not to get out of the 2 stroke banter, ha ha.
Not for nothing but I love that cloud when I start up on the morning, it's a nice way to start the morning, like the smell of coffee. Except for the whole pollution thing, that is. Don't let the 4 stoke guys get to ya, nothing beats a good old 2 stroke.
Good luck.