Carb Cleaning for Dummies?

Discussion in 'Outboard Maintenance' started by rkmurphy, May 12, 2009.

  1. May 12, 2009 #1
    rkmurphy

    rkmurphy Well-Known Member

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    What is involved when cleaning a carb? I got a hold of a factory service manual but it only covers the removal and re-installation of the carb, although it does cover the fuel pump cleaning.

    Do I need to get a gasket set before I go into this? Or do I just reuse the old ones if they are still good?

    I'm looking to just clean it, not rebuild it.
     
    rkmurphy, May 12, 2009
    rkmurphy, May 12, 2009
  3. May 12, 2009 #2
    Brett

    Brett > PRO STAFF <

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    pick an article, any article... ;)

    http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=how+to+clean+an+outboard+carburetor&btnG=Search

    Depends on how old the gaskets are, and condition of the carb.
     
    Brett, May 12, 2009
    Brett, May 12, 2009

  5. May 12, 2009 #3
    rkmurphy

    rkmurphy Well-Known Member

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    Doesn't look like it would be that bad...but we all know how that goes.

    Would it be safe to assume that normally a carb removal and cleaning by hand would be warranted by a severe gum-up?

    I'm thinking that maybe it would be better if I just followed the proper procedure to SeaFoam blast the motor. The 1gal gas:3oz oil:1 can SeaFoam trick is what I'm referring to.

    The motor runs awesome but I just have this feeling that it's running a little lean for some reason. I could just be being an outboard hypocondriact (spelling?)...
     
    rkmurphy, May 12, 2009
    rkmurphy, May 12, 2009
  6. May 12, 2009 #4
    Brett

    Brett > PRO STAFF <

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    if it ain't broke, don't fix it     [smiley=spinning-on-head.gif]

    hypochondriac...spell checked ;)
     
    Brett, May 12, 2009
    Brett, May 12, 2009
  7. May 12, 2009 #5
    B.Lee

    B.Lee Well-Known Member

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    Before you tear your carb apart, pull the spark plugs and have a look. Yes, you may be a hypocondriac, but there are simpler ways to diagnose an issue sometimes. :cool:

    http://www.dansmc.com/spark_plugs/spark_plugs_catalog.html
     
    B.Lee, May 12, 2009
    B.Lee, May 12, 2009
  8. May 12, 2009 #6
    Gramps

    Gramps Living &amp; Dying in 3/4 Time

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    Please listen to Brett. Ask me how I know.... Run some seafoam in your motor and enjoy. If it is a project you are after, start mocking up a casting platform or center console. :cool:
     
    Gramps, May 12, 2009
    Gramps, May 12, 2009
  9. May 12, 2009 #7
    rkmurphy

    rkmurphy Well-Known Member

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    Thanks a lot guys and thanks for the links. It looks like mine may be a little oil "fouled". Which I'm totally ok with because that would mean it is being adequately lubed :).

    I'll do the SeaFoam thing after another 30 hours or so. As a sort of maintenance measure.
     
    rkmurphy, May 12, 2009
    rkmurphy, May 12, 2009
  10. May 20, 2009 #8
    Frank_Sebastian

    Frank_Sebastian Well-Known Member

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    Murphy here is the link to the best set of instructions I found. http://www.marineenginedigest.com/diy/carb.htm

    I would like to add that a carb cleaning kit from a NAPA Auto will have a gallon can of cleaning solution with a wire basket inside. Soak the metal part of the carb overnight. Rinse well in fresh water and blow out with compressed air. Respect all safety measures while doing so. If it is a two stroke you are ready to reassemble and you are done. For small 4 strokes I have been cleaning a second time in a heated bath ultra sound cleaner. One other thing I have always done is use gasket sealer on the gaskets that aren't rubber. Any auto store will have it and it comes in a screw top can with a cotton mop swab fastened to the lid. For some reason the number 1000 often appears on the label. Lay the gasket on a piece of clean cardboard and coat it thin, later turn it over and repeat on other side. I use butcher paper to lay out (and make notes on) parts when several or more complicated carbs are involved.

    Best regards,
    Frank
     
    Frank_Sebastian, May 20, 2009
    Frank_Sebastian, May 20, 2009
  11. May 20, 2009 #9
    rkmurphy

    rkmurphy Well-Known Member

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    Great stuff, Frank. Thank you. I'm going to hold off on pulling the carb, for now, and Powertune/SeaFoam blast it. That way I'll hopefully knock out any minor issue there may be and give the combustion chambers a good de-carb while I'm doing it. I can only hope for the best. When you run the SeaFoam through and spray the Powertune into the throat (correct term for the air intake?), does it clean the reeds?
     
    rkmurphy, May 20, 2009
    rkmurphy, May 20, 2009
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