4 stroke carb clogging

[coachgus]

I have had trouble with a '99 25 hp 4 stroke carburator getting plugged up. I understand the jets are very small and can clog with varnish or dirt easily---especially if fuel is not run out and it sets for a while. I have run the fuel out every time and used sta-bil but I still have to have the carb cleaned out once or twice a year. Any suggestions how to take care of this problem?

 

[JB]

Re: 4 stroke carb clogging

Do you have a water seperating fuel filter between the tank and carb, Coach? There must be a lot of gunk in your tank that is being loosened by any 10% ethanol fuel.<br /><br />A water seperating fuel filter is mandatory on any 4 stroke.

 

[coachgus]

Re: 4 stroke carb clogging

I am not sure if there is a water seperating filter on it or not. It is the way it came from the factory---how can I identify if I have one on it or not?

 

[coachgus]

Re: 4 stroke carb clogging

What do you mean by the 10% ethanol fuel?

 

[JB]

Re: 4 stroke carb clogging

Depending on where you are, Gus, the gasoline you buy probably has 10% ethanol in it. The ethanol will loosen any gunk in the fuel system and absorb any water. Both the gunk and the water will really screw up a 4 stroke.<br /><br />Any filter will be connected in the fuel line between the tank and the carburetor. It will be labeled if it is a water seperator.

 

[coachgus]

Re: 4 stroke carb clogging

JB, I am in Indiana--not sure about the gas -----should I replace the inline fuel filter with a water sperater or add it in addition to the one on it

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 4 stroke carb clogging

Ethanol blended fuel can create an "initial rash" of carb problems if it had not been used before. If the engine had a steady diet of blended fuel it is not the cause of the problem. You are either picking up water or getting bad gas. It is true that the passages in the carb are small so any debris in the fuel will clog them.

 

[kerrybraswell]

Re: 4 stroke carb clogging

I would start getting fuel at a different station and stay away from the ethanol as well. I always put about an ounce of SeaFoam additive in each gallon of gas for my four stroke motors probably about every other tank and i have never had a problem with carb gunk. I think it helps keep your carb clean and also removes carbon from the cylinders and other internal combustion components. Do a search of Sea Foam or SeaFoam on this forum and you will find tons of info. Good luck, Kerry

 

[coachgus]

Re: 4 stroke carb clogging

Thanks to all for your help