Rebuilding carbs

Cup420

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 3, 2026
Messages
30
I have a friend that says, I need to put something on the o-rings before installing them. Im questioning this decision, because all the videos i've seen, nobody has put anything on them. Everyone just puts them on and closes it up. But he swears, I need some kind of conditioner or balm. I rebuilt the carbs last year, but i'm having to do it again.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,907
Run fuel out of carburetors when motor sits for a week or more.----There is no need to " rebuild " a carburetor every season.----What other trouble shooting was done??
 

Jeff J

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 23, 2021
Messages
642
I use petrolatum or the fluid the o-ring will be exposed (gasoline isn’t a good lube) to on nearly every o-ring I install. Oil and gas wash away any excess without any harm to anything or fear of plugging any passages. Lubricated o-rings have less of a tendency to get pinched or rolled/twisted.
 

Cup420

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 3, 2026
Messages
30
Run fuel out of carburetors when motor sits for a week or more.----There is no need to " rebuild " a carburetor every season.----What other trouble shooting was done??
I've replaced all the fuel lines, the bulb and added an in line fuel filter. I've also checked for compression and spark both were good. Trust me I didn't want to do this again but i've i've been working on this thing for months trying to figure it out. Carbs were completely filthy again and i've only run ethanol free since i've owned the boat. Most of the jets were clogged as well.
 

Cup420

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 3, 2026
Messages
30
Could I use this?
 

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airshot

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
6,703
I've replaced all the fuel lines, the bulb and added an in line fuel filter. I've also checked for compression and spark both were good. Trust me I didn't want to do this again but i've i've been working on this thing for months trying to figure it out. Carbs were completely filthy again and i've only run ethanol free since i've owned the boat. Most of the jets were clogged as well.
Your probably buying contaminated fuel from your fuel supplier. No way should you have that much crud in your fuel system. Find another fuel station. Many don't follow maintenance schedules or replace their filters as they should. Take a small container and take a fuel sample to test on occassion. The most popular fuel station doesn't mean they maintain their stuff. A complete drain and clean of the fuel tanks would be a start.
 

Cup420

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 3, 2026
Messages
30
Your probably buying contaminated fuel from your fuel supplier. No way should you have that much crud in your fuel system. Find another fuel station. Many don't follow maintenance schedules or replace their filters as they should. Take a small container and take a fuel sample to test on occassion. The most popular fuel station doesn't mean they maintain their stuff. A complete drain and clean of the fuel tanks would be a start.
Yes that definitely was a thought! Where i've been getting fuel is not a dedicated ethanol free pump. I've since found two in town that are. So I'll be using those from now on. I'll also be running the fuel out. After running the boat from now on.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
29,114
Gee, if the jets are clogged, it is not the lack of a dressing on the gaskets and orings.

What shape are your fuel filters?

On a related note: My B-I-L left the gasoline shutoff in the on position on his pressure washer, with a gravity feed fuel system. Over the winter all the fuel went into the carb and evaporated from there. I almost needed a new carb as the old one was chock full of crap.
 

Cup420

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 3, 2026
Messages
30
Gee, if the jets are clogged, it is not the lack of a dressing on the gaskets and orings.

What shape are your fuel filters?

On a related note: My B-I-L left the gasoline shutoff in the on position on his pressure washer, with a gravity feed fuel system. Over the winter all the fuel went into the carb and evaporated from there. I almost needed a new carb as the old one was chock full of crap.
Feel filter is actually in great shape, but I added a secondary. I had to take them apart. Therefore I have to buy new rings. You can only use these once
 

airshot

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
6,703
Yes that definitely was a thought! Where i've been getting fuel is not a dedicated ethanol free pump. I've since found two in town that are. So I'll be using those from now on. I'll also be running the fuel out. After running the boat from now on.
As your filling the boat, stop and fill a small container with fuel then continue filling. Take that sample and put it in a clear glass container and let it set for a day, then look closely. Any separation or accumulated crud means your buying bad fuel.
 
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