We spent 26 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top choices for this wiki. Consisting mainly of the same base chemicals, carburetor and throttle body cleaners can be used to remove dirt and grime from some of your vehicle’s most important components, leaving them in better condition and improving the overall life of your engine. They are not always interchangeable, however, and you should check you car manual for the recommended product before purchase. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work.
10. CRC 05078
Deposits in your throttle body or carb can cause all kinds of problems, from stalling to rough idling, but this CRC 05078 does a good job of avoiding those issues by breaking down dirt and residue buildup. And unlike some products, it’s also safe on coated components.
- 12-ounce bottle
- Optional 2-pack with gloves
- High voc content
| Brand | CRC |
|---|---|
| Model | 05078 |
| Weight | 15.2 ounces |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
9. Genuine Chrysler Accessories 4897156AC
Made specifically for use on the manufacturer’s own vehicles, Genuine Chrysler Accessories 4897156AC is effective in preventing fuel varnish from gumming up valves. It’s also environmentally friendly, having been formulated to meet EPA standards for harmful VOCs.
- Authentic oem fluid
- Good for cleaning spark plugs
- Less affordable than other options
| Brand | Chrysler |
|---|---|
| Model | 4897156AC |
| Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
8. Gumout 800001373
Most spray cleaners require you to manually apply the product to parts, often resulting in hassle and dirty hands, but Gumout 800001373 avoids the mess by going straight into your gas tank. Just pour a bottle in when you’re near E and let the solution do the work for you.
- Best when used every 3000 miles
- Improves fuel economy
- Not as effective as standard cleaner
| Brand | Gumout |
|---|---|
| Model | 800001373 |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Rating | 3.8 / 5.0 |
7. Gunk Carb-Medic M4814/6
Gunk Carb-Medic M4814/6 is a powerful fluid that attacks the dirt and grime accumulated on metal and plastic parts and, because it’s chlorinated, leaves behind virtually no residue. That’s important when you’re trying to improve your car or truck’s engine performance.
- Wipes off easily
- Good for lawnmowers
- Not for sale in california
| Brand | Gunk |
|---|---|
| Model | M4814-12PK |
| Weight | 13.3 pounds |
| Rating | 3.9 / 5.0 |
6. Hi-Gear HG3247s
Hi-Gear HG3247s contains lubricants and anti-corrosion ingredients that keep it from harming a vehicle’s oxygen sensor and other sensitive parts on modern air inflow systems. The company recommends it be used every 4,000 to 6,000 miles for maximum effect.
- Fast-acting formula
- Good for performance cars
- Aerosol can could be better quality
| Brand | Hi-Gear |
|---|---|
| Model | HG3247s |
| Weight | 12.8 ounces |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5.0 |
5. Johnsen’s 4720
If you’re wondering whether you should use that old carb cleaner on your new fuel-injected sports car — don’t. Johnsen’s 4720 was developed specifically for the latter systems, which are more modern and can often be damaged by conventional chemical products.
- 360-degree spray valve
- Carbon emissions compliant
- Good value for price
| Brand | Johnsen’s |
|---|---|
| Model | 4720 |
| Weight | 8 ounces |
| Rating | 3.8 / 5.0 |
4. 3M 08867
Rated for use on both carburetors and delicately coated throttle bodies, 3M 08867 is a great all-purpose option for anyone maintaining a variety of make and model vehicles. The bottle also features an ergonomic spray handle for easy application at any angle.
- Use in well ventilated area
- Safe for catalytic converters
- Contains less than 10 percent vocs
| Brand | 3M |
|---|---|
| Model | 08867 |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5.0 |
3. Mag 1 414
Mag 1 414 may be specifically intended for automotive components, but the powerful combination of solvents will do just as good a job removing nasty oil spills from your driveway and/or garage floor, making this a must-have product in the shop.
- Made by industry professionals
- Good for internal and external parts
- Effective on off-road vehicles
| Brand | Mag 1 |
|---|---|
| Model | 414-12PK |
| Weight | 11.1 pounds |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5.0 |
2. Berryman 0117C B-12 Chemtool
The Berryman 0117C B-12 Chemtool is a quality offering from a brand known for producing reliable automotive fluids. Its winning feature is the company’s special High Energy Solvent Technology, which can be more effective at purifying parts than other basic diluents.
- 16- or 20- ounce size
- Great for motorcycles
- Safe for oxygen sensors
| Brand | Berryman Products |
|---|---|
| Model | 0117C |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5.0 |
1. Gumout Jet Spray 800002231
From one of the most recognized names in automotive aerosols, Gumout Jet Spray 800002231 can get your carb or choke clear of debris and working like new in no time. There’s no need for complicated disassembly, either, since it’s powerful enough to work on all surfaces.
- Cleans valves and linkages
- Works on small and large motors
- Low online price
| Brand | Gumout |
|---|---|
| Model | 800002231 |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 |