Mechanic Mike BessoYes. Some fuel injector cleaners can effectively clean carburetors. Carburetor deposits are generally easier to clean than fuel injector deposits.
Table of Contents
Can You use Fuel Injector Cleaner in a Carburetor?
As far as I can tell, Yeah, you can. However, not all fuel injector cleaners can clean a carburetor. It all depends on which bits they were created to clean.
There are mainly two sources of fouling for fuel injectors.
- There’s the additives in the gasoline (varnish) and
- Carbon fouling from combustion.
You’d only find a varnish in the carburetor unless ofcourse something’s not right. With fuel injectors, its more of carbon fouling with maybe some little traces of varnish.
ALSO SEE: Does Fuel Injector Cleaner Expire?
That said, the varnish will dissolve to at least some degree in practically any liquid hydrocarbon. So, you might need to scrub a bit more, but it will probably work.
In the past when special cleaners cost more, I would clean carburetors with little amounts of fresh gasoine. It’s not as great as a good cleaner, but it has the advantage of being something you already have access to.
Note: Ensure you have good ventilation and secure all potential sources of ignition as it tends to be a bit more volatile than carburetor cleaner.
What Should I use to Clean a Carburetor?
I recommend using Carb cleaners. It’s pretty potent stuff and would get you the desired result in most carbs.
How Can I Clean my Carburetor?
- Tear down your carb
- Grav your carb kit
- Spray the car with a carb cleaner so the caked junk can be loosened
- Once all passages are sticky clean, install a carb kit
- Re-assemble and reinstall the carb.
