Ameer Randolph
If you're dealing with gummed-up fuel in your car or motorcycle, it's important to take the right steps to remove it from your fuel tank and fuel system. The first step is to identify the source of the problem, which could be related to ethanol in the fuel system or simply the result of fuel sitting in the tank for too long. There are a few different methods and products that can be used to remove gum from a fuel tank, including Seafoam, Berryman B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner, and other chemical solutions. It's important to exercise caution when working with these products and to consider the finish of your gas tank and other parts. In some cases, you may need to remove the gas tank to pour in the product and let it soak or swirl it around before draining it. Additionally, you may need to pay attention to your carburetor and consider using a product to clean up the fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor, intake valves, and combustion chambers.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Stabilizer | To be added if the vehicle is not going to be used for a while |
| Fuel System Cleaner | Berryman B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner can be used to remove gum buildup from a gas tank |
| Drain the Tank | Drain the tank and repeat the process until the B-12 comes out clear and colorless |
| Carburetor Attention | Once the tank is clean, run 1 oz/gallon of B-12 Chemtool Total Fuel System Clean-Up to clean the carburetor |
| Ethanol | Ethanol is aggressive and will destroy the fuel delivery system, from tank to carb |
| Seafoam | Seafoam can be poured into the gas tank to remove gum |
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What You'll Learn
- Use a chemical cleaner like Berryman B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner
- Soak the tank with the product, drain, and repeat until the cleaner comes out clear
- Use ethanol-compliant products to avoid gum
- Avoid clear plastic fuel filters as they are prone to cracking
- Run 1 oz/gallon of B-12 Chemtool Total Fuel System Clean-Up to clean the fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor, intake valves, and combustion chambers
Use a chemical cleaner like Berryman B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner
One way to remove gas gum from your fuel tank is to use a chemical cleaner, such as Berryman B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner. This product is designed to dissolve gum, varnish, and other fuel residues from the fuel system, fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel injectors, valves, rings, and pistons. It is available in both consumer and commercial sizes, and it is safe for catalytic converters and oxygen sensors.
To use Berryman B-12, carefully pour the entire contents of the can into your gas tank. For a tank that holds up to 21 gallons of gasoline, one can of Berryman B-12 is sufficient. If your engine holds less than 15 gallons of gas, you should add Berryman B-12 at a rate of 1 ounce per gallon of gas.
After adding the cleaner to your fuel tank, you should notice improved engine performance and increased fuel economy. Some users have reported that their cars feel much more responsive, and they have seen a significant increase in miles per gallon. Regular use of Berryman B-12 can also result in higher compression, fewer repairs, lower operating costs, and increased spark plug and injector life.
It is important to note that Berryman B-12 is mostly made up of Naphtha and benzene. While it is safe for your fuel system, it is still a solvent, and you should be cautious about leaving it in your fuel tank for extended periods. It is recommended to burn through the treated gasoline relatively quickly to avoid any potential damage to your fuel system.
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Soak the tank with the product, drain, and repeat until the cleaner comes out clear
To remove gum from your fuel tank, you'll need to use a chemical cleaner. Berryman B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner (for a removable gas tank) or Berryman B-12 Chemtool Carburetor, Choke & Throttle Body Cleaner (for a non-removable gas tank) are both recommended for this purpose. Soaking the tank with the product is an effective way to remove the gum.
If you're able to remove the gas tank, pour the Berryman B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner into the tank and let it soak. The chemical will need time to work on breaking down the gum, so leave it for a while before draining the product. If the B-12 is still coloured or cloudy, it means there is more gum to remove, so repeat the process until it comes out clear and colourless.
For non-removable gas tanks, you can spray Berryman B-12 Chemtool Carburetor, Choke & Throttle Body Cleaner inside the tank. Again, you will need to leave it for a while to allow the chemical to work effectively. Drain the product and repeat the process until the cleaner comes out clear.
It is important to note that these products are very aggressive towards gum but also paint, so caution is advised to protect the finish of the gas tank and other parts of your vehicle.
Another product mentioned for degumming a fuel system is Seafoam, which can be poured into the gas tank.
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Use ethanol-compliant products to avoid gum
Ethanol-blended fuel has become increasingly common since the US Congress introduced a renewable fuel standard in 2005. While ethanol has environmental benefits, it can cause significant issues in small engines. One of the main problems is that ethanol acts as a solvent, dissolving old gum and varnish deposits in the gas tank and fuel lines. However, it can also dissolve plastic and create new deposits, leading to clogged filters and damaged components.
To avoid these issues, it is essential to use ethanol-compliant products designed to prevent gum build-up and other ethanol-related problems. One option is to use non-oxygenated, ethanol-free gas in small engines. While this fuel is more expensive, it eliminates the potential for ethanol-related damage. For those who prefer to use ethanol-blended fuel, there are several ethanol-compliant additives available that can help mitigate potential issues.
One such product is AMSOIL Quickshot, which is designed to treat fuel and prevent phase separation, a common issue with ethanol-blended fuel. Phase separation occurs when ethanol absorbs water, creating a corrosive mixture that can damage engine components. Quickshot helps keep water molecules dispersed in the fuel, preventing phase separation and its damaging effects. It also cleans varnish, gums, and insoluble debris, improving engine performance.
Another option is Driven Racing Oil's Carb Defender, a corrosion inhibitor that protects engine components from moisture and acts as a fuel preservative during long storage periods. Carb Defender does not affect the makeup of the fuel but instead works to prevent damage caused by moisture. Star Tron additive by Star brite is another additive that uses a special enzyme formula to reduce water droplet size throughout the fuel, helping to eliminate excess moisture in ethanol blends.
By using ethanol-compliant products such as ethanol-free gas or additives like Quickshot, Carb Defender, or Star Tron, you can effectively avoid gum build-up and other ethanol-related issues in your fuel tank and engine. These products are designed to mitigate the inherent problems of ethanol-blended fuel and help keep your engine running smoothly.
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Avoid clear plastic fuel filters as they are prone to cracking
When it comes to removing gas gum from your fuel tank, it's important to pay attention to the fuel filter as well. Fuel filters play a crucial role in trapping impurities, such as debris and rust, to prevent damage to the fuel system components. While clear plastic fuel filters offer the advantage of easily identifying when the filter is clogged or dirty, there are several reasons to avoid them.
Clear plastic fuel filters are prone to cracking, which can lead to leaks and other issues. The choice of body plastic for small inline fuel filters is crucial to ensure durability and reliability. Opting for quality plastic fuel filter housings made from sturdy and durable materials is essential to withstand the tight clearances and high pressures within the fuel system.
Additionally, the plastic material should be heat resistant, especially when used in engines that operate in challenging environments, such as powersports and outdoor power equipment. The high temperatures and demanding conditions can further increase the risk of cracking in clear plastic fuel filters, leading to potential fuel leaks and costly repairs.
Beyond the risk of cracking, clear plastic fuel filters may also have compatibility issues with certain fuel types. For example, some engines use gasoline-ethanol blends, and it's important to select a fuel filter housing that is compatible with such blends to avoid potential issues.
When selecting a fuel filter, it's advisable to refer to the owner's manual for specific recommendations. Regular maintenance and replacement of fuel filters are essential to ensure optimal engine performance and prolong the lifespan of the fuel system components. Remember, a clogged filter can cause various issues, including difficulty starting the vehicle, rough idling, and decreased acceleration.
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Run 1 oz/gallon of B-12 Chemtool Total Fuel System Clean-Up to clean the fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor, intake valves, and combustion chambers
Gasoline can form gums and varnishes that can clog fuel systems. To remove these deposits, Berryman® B-12 Chemtool® Total Fuel System Clean-Up can be used. This product is formulated to dissolve gum, varnish, and carbon deposits in the entire fuel system, including the fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor, intake valves, and combustion chambers.
For vehicles that hold less than 15 gallons of gas, add Berryman® B-12 at a rate of 1 oz per gallon of gas. It is recommended to add the product to the tank before refueling to aid in dispersing it throughout the fuel system. After using B-12 Total System Clean-Up, it is suggested to follow up with B-12 Fuel Treatment every third tankful or to use B-12 Total System Clean-up every 3,000 miles.
For vehicles with mileage exceeding 20,000 miles that have not had regular fuel system maintenance, it may be necessary to perform a second treatment of B-12 Total Fuel System Clean-Up before beginning regular treatments. This product has been reported to improve starting, drivability, gas mileage, and injector life.
One user reported that after using Berryman® B-12 Chemtool® in their son's car, the car ran much better after consuming half a tank of fuel. Another user with a surging engine issue added B-12 to five gallons of gas and, after a few days, the engine ran smoothly.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a chemical cleaner such as Berryman B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner, which can be poured into the tank and left to soak before being drained and repeated until the cleaner comes out clear and colourless.
If the gas tank is still installed, you can try spraying Berryman B-12 Chemtool Carburetor, Choke & Throttle Body Cleaner over the inside of the tank.
Yes, some people recommend Seafoam as a product that is made for this purpose. However, others say that Seafoam is not ideal as it is likely related to ethanol sitting in the fuel system.
Be cautious when working with chemical products as they can be aggressive towards paint and the finish of the gas tank. It is also important to check the fuel system first before adding any chemical solutions.
