to decarbonize or not to decarbonize that is the question

suzukidave

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 1, 2000
Messages
387
I bet I'm not the first one to ask this on this board so if anyone remembers a thread send me there. Motor is a 1989 suzuki 55hp two cylinder (800 cc) that does no trolling and very little low rpm cruising. It's a strong running motor -- manual start and usually starts on one or two pulls. I've had it four years and it gets maybe 50 hours a season. I've never decarbonized but the previous owner replaced a cylinder the year before I bought it so it was probably pretty fresh inside when I got it. Should I? If I do, how should I?
 

Fouled Plug

Ensign
Joined
Jun 29, 2001
Messages
935
Re: to decarbonize or not to decarbonize that is the question

I would suggest Yamaha's Ring Free or a product called Seafoam in the tank, or Mercury's Power Tune for in-the-carb application. The Yammy stuff and Seafoam can be added to the fuel regularly, or in "shock" treatments for gunky motors. I personally firmly believe in decarbing, but others disagree. Do a search and decide for yourself. :)
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: to decarbonize or not to decarbonize that is the question

I also believe in it, BUT you must follow the instructions on whatever product you use. For example if you use E&J's Engine Tuner do not let it sit in the motor longer than instructed. Most people reason that if it works in a couple of hours then if it sits for a week it must be better. Not so. It will decarbon the pistons but it also dries out the cylinder walls. It is possible for rust to start and you can see what happens next.<br /><br />Products like Ring Free and Carbon Guard help in preventing deposits from forming in the first place. <br /><br />One thing we have noticed and is worth mentioning is that motors that are overpropped (lugged) coke (carbon) up quicker than those motors that are set up to achieve higher RPMs. <br /><br />On a positive note -- the fuel we get today seems to be burning cleaner than the fuel from a couple of years ago. And slightly cooler. <br /><br />Good luck!
 

Rex

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 12, 2001
Messages
424
Re: to decarbonize or not to decarbonize that is the question

I THINK THEY GOT YOU ON THE RIGHT TRACK<br />IT BEST TO TRY WHAT THEY SAY FIRST.<br /> REX
 
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