Top Carburetor Cleaner for Motorcycles and Motorbikers – Our Analysis & Guide
If you are searching for the best motorcycle carburetor cleaner, search no more, as our team has done serious research on the matter to help you out. We studied many products on the market, also took mechanics’ advice into consideration, as well as read a lot of customer reviews. As a conclusion, we recommend the Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus as your number one option. Using this product, your entire fuel system, from carburetors to intake valves are going to be cleaned, restored, and protected. The product is suitable for gasoline engines such as motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, RVs, lawn maintenance units, or boats. Due to the formula of this option, you will obtain a better engine performance, lower emissions, as well as fuel stability and economy. In case our first suggestion is temporarily unavailable, we also recommend the Red Line (60103) Complete SI-1 as an alternative worth taking under consideration.
Comparison Table
Our Team Recommends
After reading a lot of reviews of motorcycle carburetor cleaners, we still could not decide on the best product. But after doing a lot of research on the available items, we managed to find the top ones that we would also trust to use on our own engines, and you can find the list showcased below.
Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus
If you want to treat your bike with a good motorcycle fuel cleaner carburetor, our first candidate is brought to you by Chevron. The Techron Concentrate Plus cleans, restores, and protects the entire fuel system — we are talking about carburetors, fuel injectors, combustion chambers, and intake valves.
The product comes in a 20-oz bottle, and it is suitable for automobiles and trucks, basically for gasoline engines such as motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, RVs, boats, watercraft, lawn care, etc.
Techron is an additive technology that was created to get the most out of your engine due to the Chevron patented fuel additive technology that is trusted by mechanics, motorists, and auto manufacturers around the world.
This additive can be used for engine cleaning, in order to obtain a better performance, lower emissions, and maximum fuel economy. Moreover, the product reduces engine surge, rough idle, hesitation, and plug fouling, and improves cold start performance and fuel stability.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($16.19)
Red Line (60103) Complete SI-1
In case you need a good motorcycle carburetor cleaner, this product is definitely an option you can take into consideration. The Red Line Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner is a formula that was composed to clean carburetors, injectors, valve and combustion chamber deposits, using a concentrated mix of the most powerful low-temp and high-temp detergents available.
The formula contains synthetic upper cylinder lubricant. This product can be used to clean all forms of fuel injectors, including GDI, and it is suitable for usage with oxygenated fuel. Cleaning your fuel system with this formula will enhance fuel stability, and reduce gum and varnish formation.
It also reduces the need for octane by up to two points, and it cleans the pollution control valves as well. It is recommended to use one bottle per tank in order to get the most effective treatment, and it is safe for regular use. This cleaner comes in a 15-ounce bottle.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($14.29)
Red Line 60102
In case you are looking for good but also cheap motorcycle carburetor cleaners, we suggest looking at the next product on our list. In order to get the best results, you only need to pour a bottle into the tank for a quick clean-up. There certainly are some benefits to using the Red Line 60102 Fuel System Cleaner.
For starters, this solution improves fuel economy. Furthermore, it enhances throttle response, hesitation, and stalling. The concentrated formula works as a high-temp detergent intended to clean the carburetors, fuel injectors, tank, fuel lines, combustion chambers, intake valves, and lubricants upper cylinders. This product is compatible with both race and pump gas fuel.
Moreover, using this formula reduces octane demand, helps regain lost power, and it also improves fuel economy. Besides, it cleans the emission control system; it is even safe for the latest catalytic sensors and converters.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($5.95)
Gumout 800002230
Carburetor deposits can be much more harmful to your vehicle than you might think. Apart from consuming more fuel, they affect the overall performance of the engine. Good carburetor cleaner additives motorcycle can make all the difference.
Gumout 800002230 Carb and Choke Cleaner helps you remove gum, varnish, or contaminants that attach to the surface of the carburetor and the associated parts. These deposits can very well interfere with the performance of your engine and should be eliminated, in order to prevent hard starting, stalling, rough idling, and also high exhaust emissions.
This cleaner rapidly dissolves these sediments and also dries very quickly without any residues left behind. Moreover, it removes these build-ups from the inside and the outside of the carburetor and consequently improves engine performance and fuel economy as well. The product is available in a 16-ounce spray bottle and comes with quite an affordable price.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($5.49)
Techron Concentrate Plus
In case you are interested in a fuel additive carburetor cleaner for motorcycle, you should definitely take a look at our next product. It is designed to clean, restore, and protect the entire fuel system, meaning carburetors, fuel injectors, combustion chambers, and intake valves.
Techron is an additive technology which is formulated to get the most out of your engine, due to the patented fuel additive innovation. Using the Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner you will not only clean your engine, but make it offer better performance, and also lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption.
This product seems to be effective at keeping both older and modern engines clean. The outcome is maximum power, reduced emissions, and increased fuel economy. Techron is designed to prevent deposit formation, but even if some is left due to using low-quality gasoline, it still works for eliminating those deposits. Most customers who bought it appreciate this product.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($16.99)
Red Line 60103-4PK
Our next candidate comes highly recommended by most customers who bought and used it. Some even trust this brand so much that they have been using it for years. The Red Line SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner is a concentrated 4-bottle package of the most effective and powerful high-temperature detergents.
It is designed to clean gasoline fuel injectors, combustion chambers, and intake valves. This product can clean injectors to almost 100 percent efficiency in just one treatment. What is interesting about this product is that its cleansing effect on injector sediments can increase fuel economy around 12 percent and even more, depending on the state of the injectors.
This formula includes detergents and a synthetic upper-cylinder lubricant as well, which is highly effective when it comes to cleaning the intake valves, carburetors, pollution control valves, and combustion chamber deposits. One long-time customer even mentioned that this solution contributes to the long life of each vehicle he used it on.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($42.18)
WD-40 Specialist
Going further with our list, we found another product that is an all-in-one carburetor cleaner spray for your carburetor, unpainted metal parts, and throttle body. What makes the WD-40 Specialist Carb/Throttle Cleaner, Fast-Acting Parts Cleaner special is the fact that it comes with the dual-action cleaning system.
You may wonder how this formula works. At first, the potent solvent cleaning solution breaks up through carbon deposits. Then, the powerful spray blasts away the sediments and waste, leaving no residue behind. There are plenty of benefits of using this product.
The first thing you will notice is the engine that starts up quick and easy, leveling to a smooth, steady idle with less stalling. The cleaning spray is ideal for a wide array of both new and old vehicles. It is suitable for motorcycles, cars, trucks, tractors, lawn mowers, boat, weed trimmers, and other gas-powered lawn outdoor equipment.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($6.09)
Sea Foam SF128
The next product on our list is ideal for tuning up diesel engines and small engines. When you add the one-gallon can to the diesel fuel tank, it cleans the fuel injectors, it de-ices and removes moisture, it lubricates upper cylinders and stabilizes the fuel. This formula also acts as a diesel fuel conditioner and anti-gel.
One pint of Sea Foam SF128 Motor Treatment treats 25 gallons of fuel. When it is used for small engine applications, the product works instantly to stabilize the fuel, clean the carburetor, remove moisture, ensures a fast start and a smooth rough idle, restores power, and lubricates the upper cylinder.
Moreover, Sea Foam is very helpful in stabilizing stored fuel for even two years, by resisting evaporation, conserving ignition vapors, and blocking the formation of gum and varnish. You should know that this formula does not contain any harsh detergent or abrasive chemicals that could harm your engine.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($64.97)
PJ1 40-1 Pro
If you are looking for a way to clean your carburetor that is also environmentally safe, you will probably be interested in this product. The formula PJ1 40-1 Pro Carb and Choke Cleaner contains non-chlorinated solvents that will not contaminate motor oils.
This product is designed to clean, degrease and eliminate varnish and any other contaminants from your motorcycle’s carburetors, passages, and components. The Easy Spray Formula is very easy to apply and also saves time. No flushing or water is needed, and it is not harmful to rubber, neoprene, or vinyl.
According to customers, this product works great for motorcycle carburetors, small engines, and lawn mowers. Moreover, buyers appreciate the fact that you do not have to wait overnight for the formula to work, as it does what it’s supposed to in just a few minutes, depending on how old the deposits are. It is a product worth looking into!
Buy from Amazon.com for ($12.22)
STP Ultra 5-in-1
The last product from our list is designed to help you save gas and also lower emissions by deeply cleaning your entire fuel system. The STP Ultra 5-in-1 Fuel System Cleaner and Fuel Stabilizer is formulated to restore the performance and decrease friction by lubricating the engine parts. This product also helps prevent ethanol deposits and inhibits corrosion.
It is scientifically engineered with advanced cleaning technology to maintain your engines running in top form. The formula contains three times the amount of cleaning agents and with premium gasoline, it can remove an average of 61 percent of the harmful intake valve deposits and also restore up to 95 percent of the original injector functionality and performance.
The STP Ultra is compatible with modern gasoline engines like turbo, direct inject, as well as hybrid vehicles. You might also be interested to know that the fuel stabilizer contained in this formula maintains the fuel fresh during storage.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($9.94)
This Year’s Buying Guide
Given the multitude of products available on the market, finding the best carburetor cleaner for motorcycle is not the easiest of tasks. On top of that, simply finding an item is not enough. You need to consider your knowledge of carb cleaning, and start from there.
Besides this, there are other things to take into consideration, to make sure you offer your motorcycle the best treatment possible.
Understanding why only the best will do
Not all of us are knowledgeable when it comes to motorcycle parts and their support. We know that any vehicle needs maintenance, but what does this involve exactly? There are a number of parts you need to check regularly and one of them is the carburetor.
It is essential to have the carb working properly at all times, and for that, you need the best carburetor cleaner you can find.
These cleaners work by removing the harmful deposits that might have gathered in the system. As a result, the overall performance of the engine will be better.
High Energy Solvent
Now that we mentioned the importance of using a high-quality product, there are some things to look for when purchasing it. One of those features is the High Energy Solvent Technology or HEST, as it is essential in order to improve the fuel efficiency but also the vehicle’s drivability.
The HEST technology is developed to clean the entire fuel system of the engine. This means all parts, from the gas tank to the combustion chamber. This feature actively supports combustion for all types of gasoline.
A motorcycle’s dirty fuel system can result in numerous engine issues, including hard starting, rough idling, and no fuel economy. If you are unsure of whether a product has been formulated with the HEST technology, the most effective way to find out is to read the label.
Multi-fabric content, deposit remover and dissolving capacity
The multi-fabric content feature is very sought after because it means that the cleaner will offer increased performance for the carburetor system, the fuel injectors, and the intake valves. Usually, a good carb cleaner will be able to take care of the entire fuel system.
Another important feature of a good carb cleaner is its capacity to dissolve the various deposits that have gathered in the carburetor, such as gums, gunk, and other harmful sediments.
With such a product, the deposits are first dissolved and are later eliminated through combustions. Besides dissolving the deposits, the cleaner itself should also be able to dissolve fast. It must not remain on the surfaces of various parts from the engine.
Just like sediments are harmful to the motor parts, residues from the formula can be harmful as well. The cleaner needs to dissolve quickly, leaving behind only clean parts.
Chlorinated vs. Non-Chlorinated
When it comes to cleaning the deposits off your carburetor, choke, and throttle body, these are the two most popular choices. They will both get the job done, but it is important to understand the key differences in order to avoid maintenance and safety issues. Chlorinated and non-chlorinated cleaners both contain toxic chemicals.
Between the two options, the chlorinated ones include more destructive elements. They are made from methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, and perchloroethylene. These names may not tell you much, especially if you are not a chemist, but we’ll tell you that they are regarded as volatile organic compounds.
The non-chlorinated solvents contain more environmentally friendly compounds such as acetone, low toxicity petroleum hydrocarbons, isopropyl alcohol, and heptane. In case you were wondering what it is with this chemistry lesson, you should know that it is very important to remember that not all carb cleaners are compliant in all of the fifty states.
Hence, before making any purchase, you should make sure that you get an appropriate product. If you are undecided, or unsure, and you cannot find the information online, you can also ask a mechanic.
Carb cleaner kit and accessories
Last but not least, it’s essential for you to know that the cleaner is not enough when you decide to start washing your carburetor.
To be more exact, you will need a carb cleaner kit and gloves in order to correctly clean and rebuild your carburetor, choke, and throttle body. For better organization, we suggest you select a kit that comes in a ring.
This guide is meant to give you an idea of what features to look for when buying a new carburetor cleaner. With its help, we are sure you are going to find the most appropriate one for your needs.
Frequently asked questions about carburetor cleaners
How to use a carburetor cleaner?
When you want to clean your carburetor, first, you should remove the air cleaner section from the engine by unscrewing the wing nut; if it’s very tight, you might need to use pliers. Then, you should vacuum off the top of the engine area; this step is needed to prevent debris and dirt from being absorbed into the engine when the air cleaner is not in place.
The next step is to spray the carburetor inside and out with a dedicated cleaner to loosen the varnish and gunk. You can use shop rags to wipe up heavy grease and gunk loosened by the carburetor cleaner.
What is a carburetor cleaner?
A carburetor cleaner can either be a single-can aerosol or it can come in gallon-sized portion. These products are developed to help you clean your entire engine system. The formula used in a cleaner can dissolve the gum, gunk, varnish, and other deposits gathered in different parts of the carburetor.
Combined with premium gasoline or diesel, the results can be more effective and long-lasting. It is important to choose a carb cleaner that is compatible with your engine, and if you do not know too much about this stuff, it is best to ask a professional first.
What is a carburetor cleaner made of?
The components of carburetor cleaners may vary from product to product but mainly each of the ingredients derives from petroleum, which is a chemical compound or drawn from geological sources. Acetone is one of the ingredients used in these products, due to its solvent properties.
Xylene is a clear, chemical liquid, derived from coal tar and petroleum, also a solvent. Toluene is used in carburetor cleaners as well. Methyl Ethyl Ketone is included for its degreasing and cleaning features. Ethyl Benzene removes the resins found in dirty carburetors. Used in industrial cleaners as well, 2-butoxyethanol is also present, and so is propane.
Do carburetor cleaners really work?
To keep things simple, the answer is yes! However, they cannot do all the work by themselves. Maintaining your engine does not involve using only cleaners. Changing the fuel filter, using premium gasoline with the appropriate octane rating for your vehicle, and also high-quality fuel additives are all key factors to a smooth running engine.
When added to fuel, these concentrated cleaners pass through the carburetor and injectors and loosen and remove accumulated varnish deposits. These sediments are burned up through engine combustion and the result is a noticeable difference in idle smoothness, emissions, as well as fuel economy.
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