How to Clean Outboard Carburetor Without Removing: The Easiest Way

Your boat’s outboard carburetor is a very vital part. Its work is to regulate the mix of fuel and air to create combustion and enable the boat to run. Thus, to keep the boat, and more specifically the engine running smoothly, you got to clean the outboard carburetor on a regular basis.

The best way to clean the carb is to disassemble it and clean it piece by piece but the task might take all day, and you may not have all that time. In that case, the next best option is to clean the outboard carburetor without disassembling it. Let’s see how you can do that.

Using the B12 Carburetor Cleaner:

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An excellent way to clean an outboard carburetor without removing would be by using the Berryman B12 Carb Cleaner.

First, blend 4 oz of the B12 with a full gasoline tank. Use a funnel to pour the B12 carb cleaner into the tank, so the paint isn’t ruined.
Then, go for a slow ride, so the carb cleaner flows through the idle system. Be sure to avoid high RPM while the B12 carb cleaner is in the gas tank, as it may wash the oil off the cylinder walls. Once the RPM rises, then you know the carb cleaner is working just fine, and thus, you should turn the idle knob down.
To ensure the carburetor is thoroughly clean after using the B12 carb cleaner, squirt some aerosol B12 into the carb’s intake mouth through the pilot air jets. Can’t find the jets? On some carbs, they’re located beneath the big vacuum diaphragm.

Other Products That Work For Clean Outboard Carburetor

There are several other products on the market for cleaning up your outboard’s gummy mess. These include:

i. Seafoam

An excellent product in the form of a spray can that normally goes for around 10 dollars. The spray works by dissolving grime and carbon off the carb and leaves only an oily film. In case your carb is particularly gummed up, let it soak in a lacquer thinner before applying the seafoam spray. But, be sure to use these products in an outdoor setting as the fumes are quite hazardous.

ii. PowerTune

You spray this one directly into the carb’s throat but be sure to follow the specific instructions indicated on the product.

Caution: rubber and plastic parts of the carb shouldn’t come into contact with the carb cleaner, as they might get destroyed. Cleaners that contain isopropyl alcohol are a safe option for the carb’s delicate parts.

Outboard Carburetor Care Tips

Taking maintenance measures for your carb not only assures you of safe boating but also keeps your carb dependable for a long time. Here are a few maintenance exercises that are associated with the proper working of the outboard carburetor. You should consider doing them after each sailing trip:

Flushing out the outboard – start the engine with the throttle on neutral, and the engine will do its work. Ensure the gear stays at neutral throughout the exercise.
Checking the water pump – while flushing out the outboard, feel the temperature of the water stream at the top of the water pump; it should be warm but not hot. In case there’s no stream, check the outflow tube to ensure debris does not block it. By inserting a wire and working the blockage, the stream should come forth as it ought to but make sure you’re inserting the wire with the engine turned off.
If there’s still no stream, the water pump might be broken, and you may have to replace it.
Burning the fuel – disengage the fuel line and let the engine completely burn the fuel contained in the carb.
When the fuel is all consumed, switch off the engine and turn off the battery.
After you’ve flushed the engine, remove the cowling and inspect if there are water or fuel leaks. In case there are leaks, get in touch with a professional mechanic to fix it.
Spraying the carb with WD 40 or another anticorrosive lube – do the same for the other moving parts.
Making sure the fuel you’re using is fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best way to clean an outboard carburetor?

If you have the time and are looking for the most effective way to clean your boat’s outboard carb, the best method would be to disassemble it and clean each part individually. However, if you don’t have time and are looking for a quick solution, you can use carb cleaners like the B12, using the method described in this article.

2. What is the function of the outboard carburetor?

The outboard carb has a number of functions that make it a vital part of your boat. It mixes fuel with air to create a suitably combustible blend. It also controls the speed of the engine.

3. What are some of the best outboard carburetor cleaners?

Seafoam spray, the Berryman B12, and PowerTune. These products are not only inexpensive but also very efficient at dissolving the grime off your carb.

Final Word

Using carb cleaners helps a lot because removing the carburetor, cleaning it, and reinstalling it might be an all-day job. Try the strategies described here and see how they works out for you but always remember, even though taking the carb and cleaning it part by part is time-consuming, it is always the best option.

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Gary - January 20, 2019

Excellent video!
Thank you!