Would it be a bad thing

[NOSLEEP]

I was wondering what opinions were if I used an<br />automotive fuel injector cleaner like BARDAHL in<br />my fuel tank to help remove varnish and deposits<br />in my carbs. My engine is a 1985 evinrude 120 VRO<br />could it cause engine damage or could I run extra<br />oil in the fuel to compensate for the cleaning <br />effect I might receive. Or is it a very bad idea?<br />Might it be ok maybe once a year.? Any opinions<br />would be appreciated. Thanx in advance.

 

[DJ]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

NOSLEEP,<br /><br />Don't do it. Fuel injector cleaners acn be very nasty. Remember, they never reach the bearings in a four cycle engine.<br /><br />If your carb's. need cleaning, there is only ONE way to do it. Dissasemble, soak, replace kits.

 

[Sal G]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

Funny- I posted a similar letter. I have a 1985<br />140 Evinrude VRO. Just removed water from the fuel tank. Cleaned carbs with carb spray cleaner (did not remove from engine) Added a fuel line cleaner<br />and will test boat this weekend.I've gotten so many mixed suggestions but I think anything done in excess can cause problems. If you've been using <br />stabilizer in your fuel then chances could be you have another problem. Give me the symptons and perhaps I can answer more thoroughly.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

Sal G<br />I have replaced powerhead last fall after a bearin<br />failure. The motor ran fine before replacement<br />and runs the same now. I just thought I could run<br />some carb cleaner through it to help remove any<br />varnish or gumming on a seasonal basis without<br />doing damage to the motor.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

^

 

[93bronco]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

not stepping on any toes!<br />but according to the omc manual it says not to use harsh chemicals on these (black) carbs.<br />-<br />"do not clean carb or its components by submerging in strong carb cleaner or hot soaking tank. strong cleaners mite damage components or remove sealing compounds"<br />-<br />this applies to the black <poly/plastic> carbs used on the<br /> -90 degree Loop V motors-<br />-<br />i would assume that an internal cleaner would be just as bad.<br />the manual shows the use of gumout carb spray for cleaning, when apart. <br />but when in doubt use the omc brand. <as recommended by omc><br />just trying to help

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

I posted this on another post, so I thought I'd copy it here.<br />Just my opinion. Any additive (solvents) concentrated and aggressive enough to remove existing gum and deposits in the fuel system and engine would adverse affect the way the engine runs and deteriorate the hoses, seals, and gaskets on your engine and carburetors. <br /><br />The corrollary to that is that if it is safe enough to use the concentration will be low enough so that the impact on deposits will be minor at best. If I say that my product helps to remove deposits, but the "help" is a .003 per cent reduction in deposits that is a true statement but of no practical use to anybody.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

thanx for the comments guys!<br />Any one else have an opinion?

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

What no conflicting opinions!<br />It must be a bad thing.<br />It doesn't make sense to me. Automobiles have many<br />parts made of the same kinds of plastics in there<br />fuel systems from floats to plastic fuel lines,<br />pumps and tanks. I dont get it.I understand the<br />concept of 2 stroke and four stroke engines.<br />The cleaner could cause the bearings to fail. How<br />could that be possible? Might it lessen the<br />ability of the oil to lubricate the motor. I dont<br />think so.<br />Professional grade submersion carb cleaner is a<br />totally different formula than injector cleaner.<br />The manufacturer says many things to protect its <br />own interests and not necessarily the motors.<br />Am I out to lunch!!

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

Personally, I don't use any of that in the gas stuff on my car (Acura-Honda) either. If my injectors get dirty I take them out and clean them. Its just me, having worked in marketing I am extremely suspicious of marketing claims. There isn't anybody monitoring these claims for efficacy. No offense to people who may work making and selling these products. Its a free country (USA anyway). Caveat Emptor.

 

[mrmarvc]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

Hi there<br />I real your post on addatives in your 2-cycle gas. Very interesting question, and interesting and honest opinions in response. The only additive I put in my boat gas, and all other 2-cycle mix gas I use, is one called Seafoam. It has been recommended to me by numerous other boaters and other 2-cycle gas users I know, and by at least 4 reputable boat servicepeople I know, and to this day with no problem. It works great for removing gum, varnish, carbon, etc. and cleans the entire fuel system from tank clear through to the plugs. I swear by it. That's my opinion and story, thanks for listening. I'm no mechanic or salesman, just a guy that sticks with what works good for me.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

So seafoam is a safe to add to your fuel tank.<br />Does it contain etroleum distillate(naphtha).<br />It should say if it does on the label.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

^

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Would it be a bad thing

I contacted Bardahl Canada. There technical people<br />called me back this morning and assured me that <br />there is a bit of an urban legend floating around<br />regarding this topic. They tell me that I can use<br />this product to keep my jets clean and remove<br />obstructions in my fuel system caused by varnish<br />and oil deposits in two stoke motors with out<br />fear of harming any of the components from my VRO<br />to the internal seals and gaskets including <br />bearings.They tell me this product is not <br />concentrated enough to do any harm to plastics<br />in the fuel system as long as it is diluted <br />according to the manufactures specifications.<br />And to use it seasonally to keep it clean. He also<br />told me that there was a problem in the past with<br />delamination in fuel tanks when manufacturers had<br />lined fuel tanks with rubber and that they were <br />no longer made that way. <br />Just wanted to pass on what information I had <br />found.