Best Carburetor Cleaner Fuel Additive – [Top 8]

Automotives have become a crucial part of human lives. However, because we idly forget to maintain them as they should be, the overall performance of the vehicles might decrease over time. One of the reasons behind this is that the carburetor located inside the engine deposits a significantly large amount of gunk if not cleaned regularly.

This carburetor is a part of the engine designed to monitor fuel flow as it moves around and through the machine. Unfortunately, as the carburetor controls the overall flow, dirt and gunk tend to build up.

As a result, it can cause the functionality of the carburetor to decrease a lot. As the fuel efficiency decreases, and the carburetor fails to perform over time.

Here, we have a simple selection of the best carburetor cleaner fuel additives that we could find and assembled all that information for your convenience down below.

Just check out our top 3 winners if you are in a hurry!

Best Carburetor Cleaner Fuel Additive Review

There are a plethora of carb cleaners available in the market. But, unfortunately, they often confuse the buyers as they suffer from indecision on which one to get.

But we’ve made a detailed list of the best carburetor cleaners reigning on today’s market so that you don’t get anxious while making a choice. Here are our top selections.

1. Chevron Techron Protection Plus Marine Fuel System Treatment

Chevron Techron Protection Plus Marine Fuel System Treatment is a multi-purpose fuel additive. This product boosts the performance of the engines of boats and other water vehicles. It has a unique chemical composition that protects the machines from the harmful effects of water and salt that lead to corrosion.

The eye-catching packaging is also very informative and explains all the benefits that it brings with it. This marine fuel system treatment is the ultimate fuel additive a sailor needs for protecting his engine. These additives have also been one of the trademark products of the Techron brand for a long time.

Specialized Department

The Chevron Techron Protection Plus Marine Fuel System Treatment’s one of the best carburetor cleaner fuel additives for water-based vehicles. It’s been specially made to withstand the excessive amount of water and salt that causes corrosion in the engines.

What Sets This Apart

• Alcohol-free composition
• Prevents gunks in fuel-injected engines
• Controls combustion system deposits
• Controls corrosion
• Fuel stabilization up to 2 years

Benefits

• Restores initial performance
• Minimizes harmful gas emission

Drawbacks

• Only applicable for water vehicles

Our Experience With It

The engine that we used the product on was full of rust for a long time. However, after mixing with the fuel, the overall performance of the engine skyrocketed. The engine was operating smoothly and without any sign of the slightest hum.

Verdict

If you’re a boater, we would suggest that you use this product for your boat. It will not disappoint you and surely live up to your expectations.

2.Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment

The Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment is made out of natural elements. Ingredients like Naphtha and Pale oil have been used to formulate this product. These elements are non-corrosive and are incredibly effective with engines that are older or have high mileage. In addition, when sludge deposits build up in the combustion chamber, the formula helps protect the engine.

Seafoam has been a well-known brand for the last 70 years. It’s been living up to the standards for a long time. This product has a structure that helps improve the efficiency of your vehicle. Moreover, these are also effective with home cleaning devices such as snow blowers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers.

Specialized Department

It’s the best carburetor cleaner fuel additive for small engines. This additive works better with smaller and compact-sized devices. They also come in small packaging and can easily be used with small products.

What Sets This Apart

• Cleans the paths connecting the fuel injector and carburetor
• Moisturizes the upper cylinders
• Helps the fuel system last longer
• Cleans fuel chamber and intake valve deposits

Benefits

• Applicable for both diesel and gas engines
• Affordable price
• Helps control the moisture in engines

Drawbacks

• Lacks cleaning power compared to other cleaners

Our Experience With It

We’ve come to find that the Sea Foam SF-16 can dramatically reduce the engine troubles that you commonly face. In addition, this fuel additive boosts the performance of your vehicle and can be used regularly.

Verdict

We would suggest that you use this product with small engines first. Then if you think the additive can handle other oversized ones, go for it.

3.  STA-BIL Fast Fix Small Engine Treatment

STA-Bil Fast Fix Small Engine Treatment has become a common name in the industry nowadays. It keeps the machine fresh for a long time which results in fewer troubles from the engine. In addition, this fuel additive works as a stabilizer and prolongs the life span of the fuel.

When mixed with the fuel, the additive creates a thin layer around the fuel. It allows the air and the moisture to keep out of the fuel. But if the fuel shifts or bumps in any way, the layer breaks and doesn’t reform, making the fuel vulnerable.

Specialized Department

This fuel additive works best with large immobile machines. If there’s an engine that has to sit around for some time, but you need it to stay fresh. Then, the STA-Bil Fast Fix Small Engine Treatment should be your go-to fuel additive.

What Sets This Apart

• Fuel stays fresh up to 24 months
• Doesn’t contain alcohol
• Treats all types of fuels, including ethanol blends
• Works well against ice formation in winter

Benefits

• Long lifespan
• Increases fuel power and engine efficiency
• Prevents corrosion
• Good customer support system

Drawbacks

• Only suitable for immobile items

Our Experience With It

We used the STA-BIL Fast Fix additive on small household engines that needed some treatment. To our surprise, it worked fine. The small engines were up and running in no time with the help of this product.

Verdict

Try using this on smaller engines that need immediate attention as it works better with these items and brings out the best results.

4.Gumout 510021W-6PK Fuel Injector & Carburetor Cleaner

Carb cleaning has become a simple task as the Gumout 510021W-6PK Fuel Injector & Carburetor Cleaner can easily prevent deposits. It also maintains excellent performance throughout the whole time. The deposits that build up in the combustion chamber can disrupt fuel flow inside the carburetor and injector, limiting fuel flow into the engine.

This carb cleaner additive is also one of the best carburetor cleaner fuel additives that prevent carbon particles from building up inside the fuel system, eventually maximizing the overall performance and reducing harmful emissions. It works best if added to an empty tank and then adding the fuel with it.

Specialized Department

The Gumout 510021W-6PK carb cleaner is a multi-purpose fuel additive that cleanses the passageways and boosts gas mileage. So if you don’t want to spend extra bucks on a repairman, you should try getting yourself one of these.

What Sets This Apart

• Ensures fuel economy and better performance
• Prevents the formation of deposits
• Reduces harmful emissions
• Works well with OEM/manufacturers

Benefits

• Can be used to remove oil marks
• Can be used in supercharged transport
• Safe for oxygen sensor

Drawbacks

• Uses an unsafe solvent

Our Experience With It

We used the Gumout carb cleaner on a bike that had the check engine light turned on. Two days after mixing with the fuel, the engine light turned off on its own, and the gas mileage also improved.

Verdict

If you’re short on money and don’t want to spend extra money on a mechanic, then you can get this cleaner and improve the health of your engine on your own.

5.STP Fuel Injector & Carburetor Cleaner

Cleaning a carburetor has never been so more effortless. If your fuel system is full of gunks and is getting hard to remove, then get yourself a bottle of STP Fuel Injector & Carburetor Cleaner. It’s one of the best carburetor cleaners and has a more potent formula specially made for fuel injectors. As a result, this one is more effective on fuel injectors and increases its efficiency afterward.

After being used in the fuel injectors, the liquid dissolves and mixes with the fuel. Then gradually, removes all the impurities inside the fuel injectors and throughout the entire fuel system. So if you use this during every oil change, the power and performance of the engine will improve like the first day.

Specialized Department

The STP fuel injector has a strong chemical structure formulated to endure the high pressure inside fuel injectors. As a result, this product can withstand the immense amount of pressure and cleanse the interiors of the injectors.

What Sets This Apart

• Prevents engine power loss
• Reduces friction in the engine
• Maintains engine efficiency

Benefits

• Easy to use
• Low price
• Gets rid of the sluggishness
• Consistent performance

Drawbacks

• Leakage prone container

Our Experience With It

We used the STP fuel injector cleaner to clean up a clogged fuel injector. Then, we put it in the fuel system and waited for a few days. After some days, the engine started to feel as good as new.

Verdict

If you have a fuel injector that needs to be cleaned and taken care of, try using this cleaner, as it can seamlessly do the trick.

6. BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner

The BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner is one of the best carburetor cleaner fuel additives to date, an alcohol-free carburetor cleaning agent. It’s a much better and efficient cleaner than most of its alcohol-based counterparts. That’s because these have a unique mixture of ingredients that work amazingly against the carbon particles, ethanol, and moisture, that build up in the fuel system.

This cleaner can cleanse all types of deposits that build up due to the use of low-quality fuel. It also removes all these impurities and restores the original capabilities of the engine. Furthermore, this cleaner also helps improve your vehicle’s power output and reduces harmful exhaust emissions.

Specialized Department

The BG 44K Fuel system cleaner helps improve the performance of the engine. For example, if used on an old engine that’s been performing less lately, it can highly increase the efficiency and make the machine a lot smoother.

What Sets This Apart

• Affordable
• Improves engine performance
• Reduces emission
• Easy to use

Benefits

• Conditions the fuel system
• Improves fuel economy
• Cleanses the entire fuel system

Drawbacks

• Not very aggressive

Our Experience With It

We had an Audi S5 4.2L V8, which had the check engine light turned on. The mechanics said that the injectors needed to be replaced. But after pouring this cleaner into the tank, the car felt a lot better. The responsiveness of the vehicle increased more than before.

Verdict

If you want better performance from your engine, pour some BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner on an empty tank and drive off some heat. You’ll surely notice some improvements.

7. Mercury Marine Quickleen Engine and Fuel System Cleaner

Continuous dirt and carbon buildup in the fuel system can hamper the performance of your boat. As a result, it reduces the efficiency and performance of your ship over time. The Mercury Marine Quickleen Engine and Fuel System Cleaner can easily take care of that problem.

You only have to put the cleaner in the fuel tank. The aggressive nature of the chemicals in this product will instantly clean up all the fuel system parts, including the carburetor, injector, spark plugs, and intake valves. As a result, it’ll make your boating experience a lot smoother.

Specialized Department

The Mercury Marine Quickleen Engine and Fuel System Cleaner specialize in continuous and periodic use. So you can use this product throughout the whole season. Just pour it while you're on the journey and see the magic unfold.

What Sets This Apart

• Keeps the engine lubricated
• Prevents carbon deposits
• Powerful cleaning ability
• Extends spark plug life

Benefits

• Prevents the piston from seizing up
• Prevents engine knocking
• Can be used frequently while in season,

Drawbacks

• Doesn’t work as a fuel stabilizer

Our Experience With It

We got ourselves an engine that needed some maintenance in the internal parts of the machine. But after adding the product to the mix, the issues were completely removed. The engine wasn’t starting before this, and after using the product, it started in a snap.

Verdict

If you plan on boating throughout the season, you’ll need an expert companion on your side to help you on your journey. The Mercury Marine Cleaner can be your partner and give you the support that you need.

8. Lucas Oil 10020-PK24 Fuel Treatment Additive

The Lucas Oil 10020-PK24 Fuel Treatment Additive is a unique fuel additive as it doesn’t contain any solvent. The product has been designed to improve the fuel mileage and also increase power. This additive plays a significant part in reducing dangerous gas emissions that are detrimental to the environment and ensures the complete combustion of the engine fuel.

The Lucas Oil 10020-PK24 Fuel Treatment Additive has been made to work with both diesel and gas engines. It gives the fuel engine precisely what’s best for it. A mixture of smooth oil and high detergent-action additives maximizes the engine’s efficiency and lubricates the injector and carburetor. It results in more fuel combustion, which causes the increase of power with lesser fuel consumption.

Specialized Department

It’s a fuel additive that treats your fuel into performing better than the usual level. This additive mixes with the fuel and improves the power and efficiency, resulting in better output and also helps the engine to run seamlessly.

What Sets This Apart

• Thoroughly cleans the fuel system
• Lubricates all the components
• Decrease low-sulfur based fuel problems
• Increases the lifespan of injectors and pumps

Benefits

• Low emission
• Works well with different types of engines
• Keeps the fuel system moisturized
• Increases mileage

Drawbacks

• Unimpressive measuring system

Our Experience With It

We noticed an improvement in the acceleration of the vehicle upon using the product. There was a remarkable difference in fuel economy and the performance of the engine. You can feel the overall state of the vehicle improve after a while.

Verdict

Suppose you have a spare engine stored in your house for a long time and plan to make good use of it. Try mixing the Lucas Oil 10020-PK24 Fuel Treatment Additive to your fuel if you want to obtain a better performance.

Things to Consider Before Buying A Fuel Additive For Cleaning Carburetor

There are a few things that you should keep in mind while going out to buy fuel additives. There are thousands of varieties of these fuel additives available on the market. So, it’s better if you know what particularly satisfies your needs.

But if you are looking for a decent fuel additive, these are the things that you should consider in general.

Compatibility

Fuel additives are often manufactured for specific engines. But some products can work for multiple machines as well. You must choose a product that goes well with your engine’s fuel.

If you do so, you can avoid corrosion and protect the rubber seals from damage. In addition, it will decrease the chances of engine failure. That’s why before buying, you should check out what kinds of products are compatible with your engine.

Quantity

Fuel additives are available in multiple different sizes. They range from about 11-ounce containers to huge 5-gallon jars.

So if you have a small garage and prefer not to load it with car maintenance products, you can go for small bottles. These come with just the perfect amount of product that’s enough to treat your engine.

However, there’s also a positive side to buying large quantities in one go. You can use them to fix more than one vehicle and save a lot of money too.

EPA Approval

You must get a fuel additive that has an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) tag. It means that they are approved by the EPA and are obligated to comply with our environmental systems.

These types of items have a straightforward work procedure. First, they dissolve carbon particles that deposit in the fuel. It helps reduce the smoke generation in the exhaust and also decreases carbon emission that’s harmful to the atmosphere.

Convenience

Some fuel additives have packaging that’s inconvenient for few people. Although these products come pre-prepared, some people have a hard time using them. So you should go for a fuel additive that has convenient packaging.

It should also have a container that can be carried easily and shows the amount of fluid left. Some carburetor cleaner sprays can be helpful once in a while.

Multiple Functionality

Try to go for fuel additives that offer multiple functions besides cleaning and are beneficial to the fuel system. For example, you should get one that helps stabilize the fuel, lubricate the engine, and prevent corrosions.

Storage

You must choose a fuel additive that can be stored for a long time. You can go and buy a large container or use the smaller one for an extended time. Best fuel additives should remain stable for not more than two years. That’s the least amount of time that they should run without giving you any trouble.

Types of Fuel Additives

A mechanic can easily save you some hassle and do the work for you. But you always have the option of decreasing the load on your pocket and doing it yourself. If you know how to clean carburetor, you can get a carb cleaner that’s available at your nearest disposal and get to work immediately.

The types of carburetor cleaner fuel additives differ in how they are used. These are some of the common types available currently on the market.

Fuel System Cleaners

The fuel system cleaner is the most common type of fuel additive. It can cleanse the carbon and dirt that deposits inside the fuel system. Eventually boosting the overall performance of the engine. This fuel additive is also popularly known as the “Fighter of Fuel System Corrosion.”

Fuel Injection Cleaners

These cleaners are essential for scrubbing away the carbon particles that deposit in the fuel injector. If carbon particles clog the fuel injector, it can cause the mileage of the engine to drop.

Also, if an engine is not being used, enough warmth needed to clean itself won’t be present there. So it’s better to get a fuel injection cleaner then.

Gas Mileage Additives

Fuel additives can do more than just cleaning the fuel system of your car. It can do other stuff that is beneficial to your engine as well.

For example, there are a few additives that can increase the mileage of your gas. So these are of great help to drivers in times when gas prices go sky-high. In those times, you can depend on these additives to save you a few bucks.

Cooling System Additives

Modern engines have powerful capabilities and can run in extremely high temperatures. But overheating the engine can cause it to get damaged after a while.

For this, you must use a cooling system additive. These additives reduce the temperature building inside the engine by increasing the heat transfer. Hence, protecting your engine from further damaging itself.

FAQs

Can a fuel system cleaner clean a carburetor?

Yes, a fuel system cleaner can clean the carburetor too. As both the parts deposit the same type of materials, it can clean carburetors and the fuel system.

So get yourself a carburetor cleaning spray and spray all over the carburetor. It will be as good as new after some days.

Can I add carburetor cleaner inside the gas tank?

Before using a carb cleaner, you should know how to clean carburetors. You should never add carb cleaner to the gas tank as it’s not meant to mix with gasoline. Doing this will cause more damage than do any good.

Also, carb cleaners are added to a vehicle while they are active. So, better to know the proper system of how to use it beforehand just to be safe.

Are fuel additives effective?

All fuel additives are incredibly effective when used. You can trust these additives to increase the longevity of your engine by a significant margin. But the cooling system additives have been reported to cause a bit of a problem.

These can be applied to small leaks, but they won’t affect comparatively larger ones and can end up causing damage.

How much time does a carb cleaner need to work?

After you take all the parts out and put them inside the cleaner to soak, it takes roughly 1 hour for the carb cleaner to dissolve all the gunks. In this time, the fluid spreads out to every part of the carb and dissolves the carbon particles within. After about 1 hour, you can take it out of the cleaner and brush out the remaining dirt.

What is a good alternative to a carb cleaner?

The brake cleaner can be a valuable alternative to the carb cleaner. It’s a safe alternative and also has the same function. This product also dissolves grease and gunks, just like the carb cleaners.

Final Words

Read through the list we’ve provided here and choose the best carburetor cleaner fuel additive that suits your needs.

Carb cleaners can be of great help if you’re a person whose vehicle tends to fall victim to regular engine difficulties. Moreover, the problems can hamper the flow of your daily life and can make your life miserable. So it’s better if you have a carb cleaner that can pull you out of that misery. Take care of your engine, and it will surely provide you the best service!