If you don’t have a healthy fuel system, your small engine may be struggling to perform and could be losing horsepower. Because gasoline isn’t pure, additives and sediments build up over time. For optimal performance, it’s critical to keep your fuel system clean. In a small engine the fuel system consists of a fuel tank, fuel filter, fuel lines, and fuel delivery system which can either a carburetor or fuel injector.

While it is impossible to find completely clean gasoline, there are solutions for keeping your entire fuel system performing at peak performance.

Cleaners for Carburetors

The majority of small engines include carburetors, which can become clogged due to the small orifices contained in these devices – jets, check valves, fuel inlets. To keep these critical items clean, use a carburetor and fuel system cleaner such as Walbro part number 215-2 to maintain your fuel system.  Walbro carburetor & fuel system cleaner is a special blend of cleaning agents and lubricants designed to maintain your fuel system.

Fuel Injectors Feed Your Engine

A fuel injector is specially designed to inject pressurized gasoline into the combustion chamber. If there is sediment or blockage in the injector it cannot properly do its job. While your engine may not have a complete breakdown, the more deposits that linger in the injector, the harder they have to work to get the gasoline into the combustion chamber. This can cause multiple parts to wear down sooner, leading to potential costly repairs.

Keeping Injectors Clean

There are several ways to combat buildup in the fuel injector. Your first line of defense is a good in-tank fuel filter.  Fuel filters must be replaced on a regular basis as they do lose effectiveness over time.

The most efficient way to keep injectors clean is to use fuel injector cleaners. It’s also recommended to do a complete cleaning of the fuel system, including testing the air intake at least once a year to ensure there are no obstructions.

How Fuel Injector Cleaner Works

In a small engine, fuel injector cleaner mixes directly with the fuel to dissolve any buildup in the injector, fuel tank and fuel lines.  For best results start with a near empty tank. Take the cleaner, and per the instructions, add the right amount for your tank size. Top it off with gasoline and the cleaner will work while the engine is running.

Have questions about cleaners or fuel injection systems? Get in touch with Walbro, the leader in engine management technology for small engines. You can also check out our revolutionary electronic fuel injection systems. We’re happy to help you maintain your small engine performance.