Clogged Slow Jets - Cleaning or . . . . ?

[Foozle]

Guys and gals:

Has anyone (please be brutally honest, if necessary) been successful in using any type of fuel additive (Berryman's, Techron, Seafoam, etc.) to clean obstructed slow jets?

I won't go into neglectful details, but have all the telltale signs of partially clogged slow jets on my 1998 Valk.

I've gone through numerous sets of carbs before, but am wondering if I can forego this exercise in lieu of a simpler, less involved solution.

In advance, thanks for any experiences or guidance you're able to share.

Terry

[Willow]

Clogged is a bit extreme, but I use Berryman's to clean the carbs fairly regularly.

[Foozle]

Clogged is a bit extreme, but I use Berryman's to clean the carbs fairly regularly.

Thanks, Carl.

If memory serves, I put a can of Berryman's in the current tank of fuel (and ran it through the carbs) - so it's been percolating for several months.  We'll see.

In the past, however, I've had no luck aside from replacing the actual slow jets.

Here in Lexington (KY), we now have virtually no access to ethanol-free petrol. As a result, I've stocked up on Marine STA-BIL.

I know . . . . . . . I simply need to ride more.

Terry

[Joe333x]

Another vote for Berrymans, it’s worth a try before taking everything apart. I completely rebuilt my carbs and they ran awesome, put her away for the winter and then the following spring she was running rough and back firing, put some berrymans it cleared the issue up.

[Foozle]

Another vote for Berrymans, it’s worth a try before taking everything apart. I completely rebuilt my carbs and they ran awesome, put her away for the winter and then the following spring she was running rough and back firing, put some berrymans it cleared the issue up.

Thanks, Joe - that's encouraging.

Mine only sat dormant for one year, so I'm crossing my fingers for a chemical solution.

Terry

[98valk]

OEM o-rings are Buna-N

""B-12 Chemtool Carburetor Choke Cleaner
Toluene 108-88-3 40-50
Methanol 67-56-1 20-30
Acetone 67-64-1 20-30
Methyl Ethyl Ketone ""

https://www1.mscdirect.com/MSDS/MSDS00009/08099822-20151111.PDF

see that word "Acetone" how many put into their gas? it is also in many fuel additives.

""BUNA-N should not be used in highly polar solvents such as acetone and methyl
ethyl ketone, nor should it be used in chlorinated hydrocarbons, ozone or nitro hydrocarbons.

[rug_burn]

I never had any luck with those carb cleaners after they get clogged.   
 I had to replace all my low-midrange jets, and ligfhtly ream out all the high speed jets with a hand held drill (.101, #38)

[98valk]

try TC-W3 will also clean the ring pack. see here about it and how to use. TC-W3 is a spec so any brand will work.

https://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91206

[Foozle]

I never had any luck with those carb cleaners after they get clogged.   
 I had to replace all my low-midrange jets, and ligfhtly ream out all the high speed jets with a hand held drill (.101, #38)

Me neither, actually - I was hoping someone had a magical elixir.

Looks like I've got some carb work in my future. 

Terry

[Foozle]

OEM o-rings are Buna-N

""B-12 Chemtool Carburetor Choke Cleaner
Toluene 108-88-3 40-50
Methanol 67-56-1 20-30
Acetone 67-64-1 20-30
Methyl Ethyl Ketone ""

https://www1.mscdirect.com/MSDS/MSDS00009/08099822-20151111.PDF

see that word "Acetone" how many put into their gas? it is also in many fuel additives.

""BUNA-N should not be used in highly polar solvents such as acetone and methyl
ethyl ketone, nor should it be used in chlorinated hydrocarbons, ozone or nitro hydrocarbons.

Thanks for the info.  FWIW, my O-rings have been replaced with those from RedEye - I'm unsure if they're made from BUNA-N or something else.

[98valk]

OEM o-rings are Buna-N

""B-12 Chemtool Carburetor Choke Cleaner
Toluene 108-88-3 40-50
Methanol 67-56-1 20-30
Acetone 67-64-1 20-30
Methyl Ethyl Ketone ""

https://www1.mscdirect.com/MSDS/MSDS00009/08099822-20151111.PDF

see that word "Acetone" how many put into their gas? it is also in many fuel additives.

""BUNA-N should not be used in highly polar solvents such as acetone and methyl
ethyl ketone, nor should it be used in chlorinated hydrocarbons, ozone or nitro hydrocarbons.

Thanks for the info.  FWIW, my O-rings have been replaced with those from RedEye - I'm unsure if they're made from BUNA-N or something else.

they are Viton.
I use the TC-W3 in every tank. keeps everything clean and lubricated esp the needles in the needle wells which are not replaceable in these carbs.

[Foozle]

I just wanted to share a brief update on my carb jet situation.

Rewind:  Unintentionally, I had let my 1998 Valkyrie sit for a year with what I thought was a tankful of safe (treated) gasoline. However, on the first start, I found it would barely idle without the enrichment circuit fully engaged - presumably due to partially obstructed slow jets from the corn juice I'm forced to run.

I've now gone through several tanks of fresh gas (non-ethanol, when I can get it) spiked with Techron (mostly) or Berryman's - and the idle has very slowly come back around.  Initially, I had to increase the idle screw to keep it ridable, but I've been able to gradually dial this back.

I still have a slight stumble off the line, but it seems to improve with each ride.  It's been said here a thousand times, but bears repeating:  The best preventive remedy for carbureted engines is to run them regularly.  Additionally, if you're fortunate enough to have easy access to non-ethanol "recreational" gas, it might (IMHO) be worth the extra expense.

While easy, this has not been a quick fix:  It's taken patience and methodical attention to the problem at hand. Also, my jets were (apparently) varnished - not completely clogged - so a "chemical" solution (pardon the bad pun) may not work for every case.  I suspect a more severe situation may require a more invasive response.

I'm just thrilled I was able to avoid tearing into the carbs and replacing the jets - and feel like I've dodged a bullet (knock on wood!).  Needless to say, I won't be doing THAT again (letting her sit for extended periods, that is)!

My thanks to everyone who offered guidance/input.

Terry

[ridingron]

I go with the comment above. I started adding 1 oz. of watercraft synthetic 2 stroke oil to every 5 gal. (US) gasoline and my problems seemed to have disappeared. Ethanol gas in every tank. I ride too much and am way to cheap to run pure gas. It's a little over a dollar a gal. more than ethanol gas. I ride spiritedly for an old man on a 700 pound bike or my other bike (V4, 4 carbs, water cooled shaft drive).           

[Hook#3287]

OEM o-rings are Buna-N

""B-12 Chemtool Carburetor Choke Cleaner
Toluene 108-88-3 40-50
Methanol 67-56-1 20-30
Acetone 67-64-1 20-30
Methyl Ethyl Ketone ""

https://www1.mscdirect.com/MSDS/MSDS00009/08099822-20151111.PDF

see that word "Acetone" how many put into their gas? it is also in many fuel additives.

""BUNA-N should not be used in highly polar solvents such as acetone and methyl
ethyl ketone, nor should it be used in chlorinated hydrocarbons, ozone or nitro hydrocarbons.

98Valk, I've been using the 1oz TC-W3 to every fill up since you suggested it, what 5 years ago?

I have yet had to deal with a carb issue yet on 4 different Valks, (knock on wood) and have let them sit overwinter every year.

Are you suggesting not using B-12 with OEM o-rings at all, or just not allowing it to sit in the carbs?

Below is my system for carrying TC-W3 with me so I can add it while filling up.  1oz glass bottles with screw on caps in a fly tackle lockable case.  Works well.

[98valk]

OEM o-rings are Buna-N

""B-12 Chemtool Carburetor Choke Cleaner
Toluene 108-88-3 40-50
Methanol 67-56-1 20-30
Acetone 67-64-1 20-30
Methyl Ethyl Ketone ""

https://www1.mscdirect.com/MSDS/MSDS00009/08099822-20151111.PDF

see that word "Acetone" how many put into their gas? it is also in many fuel additives.

""BUNA-N should not be used in highly polar solvents such as acetone and methyl
ethyl ketone, nor should it be used in chlorinated hydrocarbons, ozone or nitro hydrocarbons.

98Valk, I've been using the 1oz TC-W3 to every fill up since you suggested it, what 5 years ago?

I have yet had to deal with a carb issue yet on 4 different Valks, (knock on wood) and have let them sit overwinter every year.

Are you suggesting not using B-12 with OEM o-rings at all, or just not allowing it to sit in the carbs?

Below is my system for carrying TC-W3 with me so I can add it while filling up.  1oz glass bottles with screw on caps in a fly tackle lockable case.  Works well.

B12 will attack the oem buna-n aka nitrile o-rings.   I wouldn't use it. no doubt in my mind B12 is one of the reasons people need have the carbs rebuilt.
 no reason to use it, its old tech and we have new tech TC-W3. 
Glad it is working out for you. I also use it every tank. 

here is the spec
https://www.nmma.org/certification/oil/tc-w3