Carburetor cleaner
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 156
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From: Whispering Pines, NC
Carburetor cleaner
Does the STP carburetor cleaner actually work? I've been using the STP gas treatment and it works great. I have a 1983 f150 5.8 4x4. I figure simply pouring it into the gas tank and that's it?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Depends on what you are trying to do. Most of the carb cleaners that go in the gas tank will eventually clean the fuel system if used in each tank to the strength recommended. However, they won't clean out passages in the carb if they are completely clogged and may not take out varnish. Bottom line: If your carb needs rebuilt have it rebuilt. If you think there may be some gunk in the fuel system then use a cleaner.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
If you wanna do a quick clean of the carb without using any majic potions....
Have someone fire up the engine with the air cleaner bowl off.
Get an old rag.
Rev the engine up to 2500-3000RPM, and shove the rag on top of the carb, to block the air.
It'll kill the engine, and the vacuum from the engine will suck through any crap and unclog passages in the carb.
Not as good as a rebuilt, but sure helps an old carb!
And also after doing this, it might flood out the carb, so you'll have to hold the gas pedal down to the floor and crank to get 'er going again.
Have someone fire up the engine with the air cleaner bowl off.
Get an old rag.
Rev the engine up to 2500-3000RPM, and shove the rag on top of the carb, to block the air.
It'll kill the engine, and the vacuum from the engine will suck through any crap and unclog passages in the carb.
Not as good as a rebuilt, but sure helps an old carb!
And also after doing this, it might flood out the carb, so you'll have to hold the gas pedal down to the floor and crank to get 'er going again.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 497
Likes: 4
Back when I took classes in auto repair we were taught that 'anything mild enough to pour into your gas tank without destroying the fuel lines, seals, or gaskets, isn't strong enough to clean anything. Most all of those things on the shelves at the auto parts store are just 'feel-good' elixirs that do little more than make money for the companies that make them, and the stores that sell them. I would exclude alcohol additives, such as 'Heet', or that similar component in the others that will actually liberate water in gas, which is more common in the snow belt, or with gas from older, poorly maintained gas stations.
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