Clogs in your carburetor can severely hinder engine performance, leading to hard starts, sluggish acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. If your vehicle feels like it’s struggling to perform, a blocked carburetor could be the culprit.
The carburetor is highly sensitive to buildup. As the component responsible for delivering the precise air-fuel mixture needed for combustion, it can accumulate old fuel, varnish, and debris over time, disrupting this balance and impairing engine function.
With the right tools and expert techniques, unclogging your carburetor can be easier than you think. Keep reading to learn how to unclog a carburetor and get your engine running like new.
Clogged Carburetor: What Causes It and How to Prevent It
Carburetor blockages typically result from a combination of old fuel, ethanol residue, dust, or carbon buildup. When a vehicle sits for extended periods or uses low-quality gas, these contaminants settle in the carb’s narrow passages, restricting airflow and fuel delivery.
Consistent fuel system maintenance is key to preventing future clogs and preserving engine performance. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by using a high-quality fuel additive that actively cleans internal components as your engine runs. For best results, incorporate it into your routine maintenance by adding the recommended amount directly to your fuel tank, which helps to keep buildup at bay and your system running smoothly.
Berryman® B-12 Chemtool® Total Fuel System Clean-Up (T.F.S.C.) is a high-performance, pour-in solution that clears deposits from carburetors, injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers. It restores fuel atomization, improves combustion, and helps prevent buildup before it starts, keeping your engine running cleaner and more efficiently with every tank full of gas.
How to Unclog a Carburetor – The Basics
Before we dive into the process of unclogging a carburetor, it helps to understand what it does and why it plays such a vital role in engine performance.
The carburetor is a mechanical device that blends air and fuel in the correct ratio before delivering them to the engine’s combustion chamber. Over time, the small passages and jets inside the carburetor can become restricted by varnish, carbon deposits, dirt, and degraded fuel — especially ethanol-blended fuel, which is prone to moisture absorption and gumming.
Fortunately, you don’t always need to remove or rebuild the entire carburetor to fix performance issues. In many cases, a targeted cleaning with the right product can break up buildup and restore proper fuel flow.
1. Understanding the Parts of Your Carburetor You Need to Clean
To effectively clean your carburetor, it’s important to understand the key components that commonly collect deposits and impact performance.
Here are the main parts of a typical carburetor and their functions:
- Float Bowl: Holds a small fuel reservoir, ready to be mixed with air.
- Jets (Main and Idle Jets): Control the amount of fuel that enters the air stream.
- Venturi: A narrowed section that increases airspeed and creates suction to pull fuel.
- Throttle Plate: Controls airflow and engine speed based on driver input.
- Choke: Temporarily restricts airflow to enrich the fuel mixture during cold starts.
- Needle Valve and Float: Regulate the fuel level in the float bowl to avoid flooding.
- Linkages and Springs: Connect the carburetor to the throttle cable and allow precise mechanical movement.
2. Proven Carburetor Cleaner Soak Solution
When buildup clogs these components, you’ll experience poor engine response, stalling, hard starts, and backfiring. To address this, a professional-grade cleaning solution becomes essential for dissolving stubborn buildup and restoring smooth engine performance.
The Berryman® B-12 Chemtool® Carburetor, Choke & Throttle Body Cleaner is a fast-acting spray formulated to dissolve gum, varnish, and carbon from internal and external carburetor parts without disassembly. It’s safe for oxygen sensors and catalytic converters and works perfectly on automotive and small engines. It’s a trusted go-to cleaner for mechanics and car owners to clear out buildup quickly and effectively — no disassembly required.
How to Clean a Clogged Carburetor (With Soaking Method)
For more stubborn clogs or if you’re restoring an older engine, a deeper clean may be required instead of using fuel additives or sprays. This usually means removing the carburetor and using a carburetor cleaner soak.
Step-by-step guide:
- Remove the carburetor from the engine, following manufacturer guidelines.
- Disassemble it carefully, separating jets, floats, and gaskets.
- Submerge the metal components into a high-quality soak solution.
- Let the parts sit for 15–30 minutes (or as directed).
- Rinse, dry, and reassemble the carburetor before reinstalling.
For this task, it is best to use a solution that can provide a more thorough cleaning. We recommend using Berryman® Chem-Dip® Carburetor and Parts Cleaner. This eco-friendly, non-chlorinated formula is tough on deposits but safe for metal, rubber, and plastic. It penetrates hard-to-reach areas and dissolves gunk that sprays alone can’t tackle, making it ideal for full carburetor overhauls.
Carburetor Cleaner Soak vs. Spray: Which Should You Use?
Choosing between a carburetor cleaner soak and a spray depends on the extent of the buildup and the type of engine you’re working with.
Here are a couple of tips to help you decide which cleaning method is best:
- Spray cleaners like B-12 Chemtool are perfect for quick cleanups, maintenance, or minor buildup. They work great on carburetors still mounted in the engine.
- Soak cleaners like Chem-Dip are best for serious blockages, classic vehicles, or carburetors that haven’t been serviced in years.
Consider using both methods for a complete clean. Spray the exterior and internal ports, then soak any disassembled parts for a thorough refresh. Always follow product instructions for safety and effectiveness.
Motorcycle Carb Cleaner Tips for Riders
Motorcycle carburetors are typically smaller and more delicate than those found in cars or trucks, requiring greater precision and care during cleaning to avoid damage.
Keep the following tips in mind to ensure a safe and effective carburetor cleaning process:
- Use targeted spray bursts to avoid oversaturation
- Take photos during disassembly to simplify reassembly
- Be cautious around painted and plastic surfaces
- Drain old fuel from the tank and lines before cleaning
- Replace gaskets or seals if they appear dry or cracked
Use Top-of-the-Line Carburetor Cleaning Solutions
A clogged carburetor doesn’t always have to mean a trip to the mechanic. With the right products, a bit of patience, and a hands-on approach, you can unclog a carburetor, improve fuel flow, and get your engine running like it should.
Berryman offers professional-grade solutions to help you do the job right the first time. View our products and download our catalog to find the right solution for your vehicle.