Total Motorcycle Community Forums

My dads Bandit 1200 is having carb problems (nothing too bad, it seems like it is clearing up). Would it be alright to dump some carb cleaner in his gas tank (the stuff made for cars), or could that hurt the bike?

Probably won't do any harm.

I hear good things about 'Seafoam' but it isn't sold with 1000 miles of me, so I've never tried it.

Now that you mention it, I do remember hearing a lot of good things about seafoam...... might have to check it. Thanks

I've had a lot of success with Techron. I've never tried SeaFoam, but have heard a lot of good things about it. You can get a bottle of Techron from most auto parts stores and Chevron gas stations. I use about a third of a bottle in my 5-gallon tank.

I heard an analogy the other day - maybe it was on this forum. The pour-in carb cleaners are like dusting, it gets the light junk off a clean surface. If the carbs are dirtier than that, a full break-down and full cleaning may be needed.

If you have a Autozone not to far, they carry Seafoam in my area. Just phone before you go.

Gumout and Berryman's carb cleaners are equally strong. Just make sure it's the $6 bottle. The difference is night and day between that and the $1.49 bottle.

for snowmobiles, yamaha, which mine is, based off the motorcycle engine they tell you not to add that. Use sea foam it is so much better, read up on it. Used that in my sled and cycle never had any carb issues.

big_ry_ry wrote:for snowmobiles, yamaha, which mine is, based off the motorcycle engine they tell you not to add that. Use sea foam it is so much better, read up on it. Used that in my sled and cycle never had any carb issues.

I've always had success with berrymans and if I can't find it then gumout. It's also hard to find seafoam in my area. The stores that have it are rarely in stock so I can't claim thorough testing.

I looked through my manual and there's nothing in there. Granted it's an older one. I called the local yammie dealer- they said there was no issue with using either?

I used both Techron and Berryman's B12 in my truck, both did fine. Never tried SeaFoam though - never could find it.

BuzZz wrote:Probably won't do any harm.

I hear good things about 'Seafoam' but it isn't sold with 1000 miles of me, so I've never tried it.

Want me to bring some when I come to your neighbourhood?