Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

The instructions for my current generator, as well as newer ones that I'm researching (B&S engines), all say "NEVER use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur".  Why would this be?

I'd planned to switch to SeaFoam instead of Sta-bil based on other threads in this forum.  Usually I put the additive directly in the can when I get back from the gas station.  But now I'm afraid of what would happen if I prep a can with SeaFoam, and then I'm forced to use it in the generator instead of the snowblower. 

Many thanks,
Gary

I've never heard of such a thing.  I'm constantly adding Seafoam directly into fuel tanks on various forms of equipment.  I use it in two cycle and four cycle engines with regularity and have never had a problem with it.  Something doesn't sound right .  It could possibly have something to do with the amount of fuel additive mixed in the fuel.  Maybe the concern is that an inexperienced person might add a whole can of additive to a small tank.  Even that shouldn't cause damage.  I'm sure the machine would run crappy until the mixture had burned off if it ran at all.  But I doubt it would cause serious damage.  When I add it to my engines, I don't even measure it.  If I have a two liter fuel tank I just pour an ounce of Seafoam into it and go to work.   

I decided to ask this question of B&S, and got an answer back.  The answer is that the carb cleaner tends to dry out the gaskets. 

I find it interesting that they have this advice in the manual for the engine on my current generator (a ten year old Generac), but not in the manuals for the engines on their own current line of generators.