Hi,

I have a 1975 Camaro with an inline 6 -- appears to be original carburetor - 80,000 miles. California car. Just purchased a few weeks ago. After tune-up and oil change it runs pretty good generally, but would appreciate advise on the best carburetor cleaner (additive). Also, any thoughts/recommendations for oil additives. Professional carburetor cleaning options/suggestions.

Thanks!

Rick

 

I'm not a big fan of fuel additives that go in the gas tank on older cars. They work, but they also release other buildup in the fuel system, and it ends up in the carb causing further issues. If you use a fuel additive, be sure to get a very high quality fuel filter inline ahead of the carb, and change it in 6 months after using any additive.
I prefer to either rebuild a carb, or use a aerosol carb cleaner shot down the throat as the car is running at high idle. I shoot it all over the inside of the carb, and stop if the engine starts to stumble. The continue as it smoothes out, until it's clean, or the can is empty. Learned the trick from oldtimers when I was a young guy, and it's a good one for carbs that are dirty and gunked up inside. Not needed if your's looks clean inside though.
Engine supplements are OK, but the right oil is cheaper, and wont need them. Your older flat tappet 6 cyl. needs zinc based oil, but not a high level zinc if it's still got a catylitic converter. I like Brad Penn oil, as it's a mix of regular old style oil, with about 10% synthetic, and made for flat tappet engines. It's about $6.25 a qt., but consider $5 a qt. for today's junk oil, plus an bottle of additive at $10-$12 per oil change, and Brad Penn is a bargain.

 

I'm sold on Mobil 1 full synthetic though. If you watch the sales or oil & filter specials, you can get a 5 quart bottle for $25. Add $10 for the additive, and that puts it at $7/quart for full synthetic with ZDDP. I prefer the synthetic bargain myself.

 

Thanks for all the great feedback!

 

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