How To Use Mechanic In A Bottle

How To Use Mechanic In A Bottle offers a practical solution for cleaning your fuel system without the need to disassemble the carburetor. By preserving factory seals and minimizing the risk of introducing contaminants inadvertently, MIB not only expedites repair processes but also mitigates potential technical complications. However, it’s important to note that if there is physical damage to fuel system components, such as torn or rotted rubber parts or the presence of scale (white rust) due to phase-separated fuel, additional servicing may be necessary.

Safety First

Before commencing any work, prioritize safety by disconnecting the spark plug lead from the spark plug. Reconnect it only when you’re prepared to start the engine.

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Step 1: Fuel Assessment

Begin by determining the condition of your fuel. Employ a Mechanic In a Bottle Test Swab if available. Alternatively, you can assess the fuel’s quality by briefly sniffing for any sour or decaying odor. Be aware that ethanol-blended fuel has a strong scent, which may mask the underlying sour smell. If the test results indicate marginal fuel quality or if you suspect stale or bad fuel, proceed to Step 2.

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Step 2: Treating Marginal Fuel

A. For Marginal Fuel in 4-Cycle Equipment:

1. Add 2 ounces of Mechanic In A Bottle to each gallon of fuel.
2. Directly pour MIB into the equipment’s tank containing marginal fuel.
3. Agitate the equipment several times to ensure proper distribution of MIB within the fuel.
4. If priming is available, depress the primer bulb 6-8 times.
5. For choke-style starting, set the choke to the ON position and rotate the engine 6-8 times.
6. Allow the equipment to stand overnight or at least 6-8 hours. Some results may be noticeable in as little as 15 minutes.
7. Reattach the spark plug boot and attempt to start the engine.
8. If the engine starts and operates smoothly, continue running an additional gallon of fuel with MIB added at a rate of 2 ounces per gallon for a thorough system cleaning.
9. Use Ethanol Shield with future gasoline purchases, following the label instructions to safeguard your fuel system and preserve the fuel quality.

B. For 2-Cycle Equipment:

1. Drain the fuel from the tank in accordance with local and state regulations.
2. Add 1 ounce of Mechanic In A Bottle to the empty gas tank.
3. Depress the primer bulb 8-10 times to ensure MIB reaches the carburetor.
4. Remove the spark plug boot and place the choke in the ON position.
5. Pull the engine over twice and let it stand for 1 hour. If severe fuel system contamination is suspected, a longer duration or overnight standing may be required.

Proceed to Step 4 for both 4-cycle and 2-cycle equipment.

Step 3: Treatment for 4-Cycle Equipment

A. For 4-Cycle Equipment with Choke:

1. Drain the fuel from the tank following local and state regulations.
2. Add a minimum of 2 ounces of Mechanic In A Bottle to the empty gas tank.
3. Use the primer bulb (if available) to depress it 6-8 times for machines equipped with primers. This primes the MIB into the carburetor.
4. For machines featuring chokes, loosen the bowl drain at the carburetor’s bottom (if equipped). This allows MIB to enter the carburetor bowl. Use a shallow container beneath the carburetor to catch any excess MIB.
5. Tighten the bowl nut when you observe MIB coming out.
6. Ensure the spark plug boot is removed.
7. Set the choke to the ON position (if equipped), then pull the engine over twice and let it stand for 1 hour. For severe fuel system contamination, a longer duration or overnight standing may be necessary.

Proceed to Step 4.

Step 4: Final Treatment

A. For Both 4-Cycle and 2-Cycle Equipment:

1. Leave the MIB in the fuel system.
2. Add fresh gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil (for 2-cycle equipment) or plain petrol (for 4-cycle equipment) to the fuel tank.
3. Cycle the primer bulb 8-10 times to flush the carburetor and thoroughly mix the remaining MIB.
4. Reattach the spark plug boot and attempt to start the engine.
5. If the engine starts and runs smoothly, continue running an additional gallon of fuel with MIB added at a rate of 2 ounces per gallon for a comprehensive system cleaning.
6. Use Ethanol Shield with future fuel purchases, adhering to the label instructions to protect your fuel system and maintain fuel quality.

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Understanding Ethanol-Blended Fuel Challenges

Modern fuel often contains up to 10% ethanol (E-10). While most modern power equipment is designed to handle E-10, issues arise when fuel is left to stand for extended periods, particularly with older equipment unsuitable for ethanol. Ethanol’s high oxygen content naturally deteriorates gasoline, which is an organic substance. Consider it like leaving a jug of milk outside in the summer versus inside a fridge, both open. The milk outside deteriorates faster, similar to fuel left to decay due to ethanol.

Even under optimal conditions, ethanol-blended fuel can degrade within 60-90 days, resulting in hard starts and the formation of gum or varnish in the fuel system. Ethanol’s water-attracting properties worsen fuel corrosiveness, particularly when temperatures drop below freezing, potentially leading to phase separation. This phase separation manifests as a watery layer at the bottom of the fuel tank, primarily composed of ethanol with traces of water. This mixture is highly corrosive and can damage carburetors and fuel system components, posing a threat to the engine or fuel system, particularly in 2-cycle equipment.