Carb Cleaner Advice

[GS4me]

Hey everyone,

I've done a few searches but wanted to post since some of the posts were pretty old.  Normally on my bikes (once a season or so) I'll usually put a little carb cleaner in the tank.  This "new" 94 GS500 of mine just turned 9K on the clock and everything is running smooth.  - I've got a little under 2K miles on her this season so far.

I was just looking for some recommendations from others that use any type of carb cleaners. 

I've got B-12 Chemtool here which I've used on other carbed bikes with success over the years,  but saw a few general posts online that "it's too harsh".  (Although a few post from GS twins from years back mention using it).

Just wanted to check that out..... OR get some suggestions on something else I can pick up.

When it comes to carb cleaner, my thoughts have always been:  "May not make any difference at all....... , but really can't hurt"..

[robfriedenberger]

I've always heard mixed reviews about b-12, personally I don't use any unless I'm removing my carbs for cleaning than I use CRC brand. Knock on wood I just clean carbs as they need it not by miles or season.

[ace50]

B-12 Chemtool or Chevron Techtron are stronger cleaners. They're good but don't over mix them. Seafoam is a popular one, little milder, can be used all the time but people tend to over mix it. It will soot up the cylinders if over mixed. Lucas is another good one I use too.
On these hotter running air cooled bikes I like to use a top oil like Marvel. I use another top oil in ALL my vehicles, all the time, as gas is very dry.

[The Buddha]

You really dont need carb cleaner in the tank.
But if you must, the Marvel is your best bet.

Cool.
Buddha.

[DoktoroKiu]

I hear a lot of people swear by Seafoam and the Lucas equivalent of the stuff.  I can't say for sure it was the Seafoam, but when I cleaned my float bowls and jets when I was waiting for new valve shims they were almost spotless (tiniest bit of soot on the pilot jets).  I ran about 2 tankfulls with a stronger Seafoam mixture before I started working on her.  For all the effort I went through to get into the carbs (durned JIS screws stripping out with my phillips head drivers), I almost regretted tearing into them.

Seafoam seems a bit expensive to use all the time, though.

[GS4me]

Thanks for the advice.  I think at one point or another, I've used all of the products mentioned above.

I almost forgot about the Marvel Mystery Oil.  I really should pick some up.  That really is good stuff as well.