DF9.9 won't Start---Clogged Carb Jets--what to do?

[Marketic]

Hello, I just picked up a 2013 DF9.9 with minimal run hours. It hung off the transom of a boat as back-up in case the main conked out. Short story--- the 9.9 had a year of non-use and the old fuel gummed up the carb jets

I pulled off the air filter and sprayed carb cleaner into the throttle body and got her started. Ran her for an hour and she ran fine. Shut her down for a day, tried to start her up again and it's clear that the carb needs more work

I do not want to rebuild the carb of a zero hour DF9.9 unless I absolutely have to----I was thinking of spraying the throttle body again with carb cleaner then running a fuel additive mixed with gas and trying to clean the jets and fuel bowl that way---is that advisable? Will I risk damaging carb gaskets?

If this is an acceptable procedure can someone suggest a fuel additive? I've never used Seafoam---thought that was more for de-carbing rather then cleaning out fuel residues. What say you guys? Thanks!

[Solarman]

First off, if you have the throttle body, you probably have injection system. This would also mean you have a VST (vapor separation tank), not a carb. With the fuel injection system, you should run something (additive) that cleans fuel injection systems. Yes, you should run a good additive on each tank of fuel, it will always keep fuel system clean.

Before you take anything apart, get the manual (also an owners manual). The fuel injection system is nothing like a carb. It doesn't use jets to meter air and fuel, so your ”jets” aren't blocked. Everything fuel related relies on the injection system being clean. Also the computer sending the proper pulses to each injector.

yes, run the fuel additive in each tank, and yes, you should take the motor to a proper Suzuki shop for it's checkup (when required), and yes, inform them of it's extended non-use, but also of additive to clean fuel system.

Let the shop do the fuel system cleaning, and valve adjustment, oil change, filter change/cleaning, and all the other procedures for it's checkup. Especially the first couple, until you're familiar with what's needed for servicing.

Now, of you haven't got the throttle body, and fuel injection system, and you have carb(s), STILL take it to a qualified Suzuki shop for it's first few checkups, and let them clean the fuel system. But yes, you can still run a fuel cleaning additive in each tank of fuel, until it's time for the servicing.

Good luck, post back when able if other questions.

[Harper]

I know you're correct about your 9.9 being carbureted, so what you referred to as a throttle body is actually the carburetor throat/throttle plate. There are no carb kits that I can find for the 9.9, but it shouldn't be too difficult to clean things up. With the carb being gummed up as you say, I would recommend that you do pull the carb and clean it out real well with carb cleaner and blow it out with an air hose. If you're careful, you shouldn't need a whole kit anyway, but just a couple gaskets that can be purchased individually. But I do think it'll require a teardown of the carb to get it cleaned up right and trouble-free.

[Marketic]

hi Guys

Yes, definitely a carbed motor and I probably should not have used the term throttle body. I think if it had been an EFI model, leaving fuel in it would not have had the effect it did (or so I've been told)

I've decided to pull the carb and have it ultrasonically cleaned at a shop---the motor is too important to me to not have it running at 100%. Thanks again for the responses

[Harper]

Good choice! I think you'll be happy with the results. Remember, if you live in an area where you button everything up for the winter, to always completely drain the fuel system, including the carb bowl, or run the motor 'til it dies of fuel starvation. This is especially important with the alcohol blended gas. Even if it will be out of service for just a month or so, it's a good idea to use a fuel stabilizer.