Water test for gas on carburetor

G6 at Snook, TX · Dec 22, 2017

I need to test a carburetor to see if it is leaking. Specifically, it is a flo-jet Briggs carb from the mid-80s. If I filled the bowl with water to see if it seeps past the emulsion tube, will water leak the same way that gas will? In other words, will I get a true leak test using water instead of gas?

Mike Groom · Dec 22, 2017

Gas seems to find a leak better than water does,I would use a solvent of some type,mineral spirits,kerosene,diesel fuel to name a few if it was me doing it.

Jeff NWOH · Dec 22, 2017

I've heard that if there's a leak, diesel
will find it.

OldFarmTractor · Dec 22, 2017

I think, due to the viscosity and solubility of fuel, it might leak more readily than water.

jeffcat · Dec 22, 2017

Gasoline is the worst i have found. Very long single molecular string
of atoms. Brake cleaner also. MEK paint thinner may be the best bet
because it is a very strong solvent. Ohh ohhh one more the good old
can full of E85 fuel. That stuff will dissolve almost anything!!

jeffcat · Dec 22, 2017

Another thing with water. It has a very strong surface tension. That is why you rule out water for your test.

Sprint 6 · Dec 22, 2017

Why not use gas? Take less than a dollar's
worth.

G6 at Snook, TX · Dec 22, 2017

I ended up using gas because you might as well try the real thing out. Anyhow, I had thought about water due to the mess of gas, but I put my big boy pants on and gassed it up. No leaks now.

Water test for gas on carburetor

G6 at Snook, TX

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Mike Groom

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Jeff NWOH

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OldFarmTractor

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jeffcat

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jeffcat

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Sprint 6

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G6 at Snook, TX

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