QuestionQUESTION: I am borrowing a Kubota 3.8kW Genset that has been stored for several years with un-stabilized fuel in it. YUCK! What is the best way (chemicals and method) to clean the tank/strainer/carburetor so that I can use it. I am looking for minimal $$$ outlay as it is borrowed, not owned.
ANSWER: Hello Stacy:
You can Try Spray Carburetor Cleaners and you MAY Get Lucky and the Carburetor will Not cause you Any Problems. My Experience has Been that if a Generator Engine Sets for More than 6 Months at a Time; Using Todays Gas; the Carburetor has to be Removed, Disassembled and Soaked Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner. Usually the Parts are Reusable if Care is Taken when Removing the Carburetor Bowl. My Suggestions are: 1- **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable) and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required.** 2- While Carburetor is Soaking, Change the Oil. 3- Clean or Replace the Air Filter.4- Use Compressed Air and Blow the Dust and Dirt Out Off and Off the Generator and Engine. If Further Assistance is Required; Please Include the Model Numbers. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Great answer! What do I use and how do I clean the sludge/crude/varnish/shellac or whatever that is in the fuel tank. The tank is mounted above the engine and can be removed without dismantling the other parts of the fuel system (caburetor, linkages, etc.)
AnswerHello Again Stacy:
Thanks for the Ratings and Comments. To Clean a Gas Tank: Remove the Gas from the Tank. Remove the Tank from the Unit. Let the Tank Air Out for 24hrs. Dump a Package of BBs Into the Gas Tank and Replace the Tank Cap. Now Shake Vigorously in All Directions. The BBs Beat the Interior Surface of the Tank and Knock All the Varnish Loose. Now Vacuum and Blow Out the Tank. Lastly I Usually Flush the Tank with Water and Then Allow to Dry in a Hot Room Until Dry. Now I Suggest you Coat the Inside of the Tank with KREEN; a Gas Tank Sealant from Honda Motorcycles. This Coating Prevents Rest and Seals Any Small Holes in the Tank Also. It Comes in a Kit that has Everything you Require for $35.00us. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
