Will decarbing also clean varnish?

[John Lapic]

I have read many posts about removing carbon using Seafoam. The "recipes" for decarb include adding 3/4 can of Seafoam to one gallon of premixed gas, and, using the remaining 1/4 can squirting a shot in the cylinders and spraying the rest down the carb throat till the motor almost stalls. Then running the gas out at WOT. This process removes build up carbon. My question relates to the carburator. Does this "recipe" clean jets, varnish and other deposits as it passes through the carb?

I have a 1971 Johnson 9.5 that runs fine, but has not had other than basic maintenance - plugs, tune ups, oil change. I am assuming it has a fair amount of build up due to no carb rebuilds and am wondering if I can expect some improved performance just with a decarb.

Would appreciate some feedback

 

[F_R]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

Varnish in the carburetor comes from leaving stale, stinking, rotten gas in it. The high speed jet is in the very bottom of the carburetor where the last dregs of gas lay and turn to varnish. It has to be VERY clean or the motor won't run at high throttle settings.

What I am trying to say here is that since your motor runs well, there is no varnish in the carburetor. So it doesn't need cleaning.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

decarb does not clean the carb, but yours apparently doesn't need it. it will clean up the guts, so it won't hurt to do it.

in this link Gary's had never been off in 26 years. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=230191

 

[rjezuit]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

If you are running the Seafoam mix through the carb, in the fuel mix, would it not clean the carb also???? Rick

 

[DJ]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

If you are running the Seafoam mix through the carb, in the fuel mix, would it not clean the carb also???? Rick

It won't so much clean it as it will help keep it clean.

If you have no running issues now, you're probably OK. A dose of Se Foam goes into every tankfull of my fuel, for my two strokes.

 

[kjdunne]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

DJ-how much seafoam to how much fuel is your mixture? Also, is seafoam a gas preservative, or is something like stabil also required?

 

[DJ]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

DJ-how much seafoam to how much fuel is your mixture? Also, is seafoam a gas preservative, or is something like stabil also required?

I put about 3-4 ounces per six gallons, as maintenance doses. That's a little heavy but I have had NO issues.

Sea Foam performs the same function as Sta Bil. I use both. I tend to use Sta Bil on my air cooled two strokes and Sea Foam in the water cooled 2-strokes. I cannot explain why, I just do it that way.

Where I live, in AZ, the gas is trash. The Sea Foam just seems to help with stabilization, over time. Plus, it does clean.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

What I am trying to say here is that since your motor runs well, there is no varnish in the carburetor. So it doesn't need cleaning.

Nicely put, FR.

Seafoam is also a fuel stabiliser like Stabil. You don't need to run Stabil if you use Seafoam. However, I don't like Stabil. I've had some issues with it. Briggs & Straton makes a good fuel stabiliser. I'm currently using Optimax (I think that's what its called) and its worked well for the last two years.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

I use the BRP Carbon Guard Mr Beaton, since us Hamiltonians cant get our hands on the Seafoam, and seems to work well. Although I did go Christmas shopping across the border last weekend and stopped in an Autozone to pick up a can of the stuff that I have been hearing so much about.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

HighTrim,

You can get Seafoam at NAPA on the mountian. That's where I buy it. They carry both spray and bottle. Can't remember how much, though. Somewhere around $10/can.

Now can you tell me where to find non-acid flux? lol

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

That is very good information. Now my wife cant use that against me to get me to go shopping in the States

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

$10.00 a can for SeaFoam??? We pay less than $5.00, often under $4.00. Where are you guys buying this stuff -- Bloomingdales? Try a farm store.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

We live in Igloos and have dog sled teams dont you know Silvertip, I didnt even realize it was available in Canada I know the BRP Carbon Guard isnt cheap up here either, I forget exactly how much I pay for it at the marina, but I know its not cheap

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

I noticed that Napa here is about 9 bucks a can! go across the street to Advance auto parts its about 5 bucks. Still waiting for Walmart to start selling it..

 

[mudmagnet63]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

What about Berrymans B-12 for Outboards as a cleaner sprayed thru carbs and as additive in the tank ? Good / Bad / Ugly

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

$10.00 a can for SeaFoam??? We pay less than $5.00, often under $4.00. Where are you guys buying this stuff -- Bloomingdales? Try a farm store.

LOL - things are more expensive in Canada and Seafoam has a VERY limited availability up here. Just like synthetic (non-propriatary) outboard oil. I sure wish I could just go to Walmart and pick up a gallon of cheap synthetic 2 stroke oil. Not that I need it now. The lakes are frozen up here.

 

[rjezuit]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

On a little side note, Wbeaton, The Galleria Mall by any chance?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

I noticed that Napa here is about 9 bucks a can! go across the street to Advance auto parts its about 5 bucks. Still waiting for Walmart to start selling it..

ME TOO! Great minds think alike,I guess. HA HA
JBJ

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

That is very good information. Now my wife cant use that against me to get me to go shopping in the States

LOL....Funny, I know the feeling being so close to the border here as well. I usually suggest she takes one of the daughters shopping over there while I stay home to do "other" more enjoyable things like cleaning the bathroom !!! LOL

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Will decarbing also clean varnish?

We live in Igloos and have dog sled teams dont you know Silvertip, I didnt even realize it was available in Canada I know the BRP Carbon Guard isnt cheap up here either, I forget exactly how much I pay for it at the marina, but I know its not cheap

How is the igloo holding up so far this winter ?? LOL I am having problems hanging the Christmas lights on ours this year and the yellow patches around the bottom are from the dog sled team !! LOL