Priced as of May 14, 2026
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Prices may varyFrom the Safety Data Sheet
Full SDS ↗ (rev. 2024-10-15)GHS hazard codes are quoted from the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet. PPE tiers below translate those codes and the listed ingredient chemistry; they are not CarCareTruth recommendations.
EyesSituationalMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1) · GHS H319SkinSituationalMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.1000 · GHS H361dLungsRequiredMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.134 · GHS H373Ventilation—No PPE in published sourcesShow details for all categories ▾Hide details ▴
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“SDS §2 classifies the product as H319 (Cat 2A serious eye irritation) — not H318. Aerosol jet spray with vapor pressure 185 mmHg generates inhalable mist that can drift toward the face during carburetor application.”
— Gumout
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1)
“The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from… liquid chemicals…”
ANSI Z87.1 (incorporated via §1910.6)
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“SDS §2 mixture classification does not include H315; §2 'Other Information' notes mild skin irritation only. SDS §8 lists nitrile or neoprene among acceptable glove materials for prolonged or repeated handling.”
— Gumout
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.1000; 1910.1200
“Each employer shall assure that no employee is exposed [in excess of the PEL]…”
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“SDS §2 lists H361d (suspected of damaging the unborn child) and H373 (target-organ toxicity through repeated exposure: CNS, kidney, liver) alongside H336 vapor narcosis. The DANGER signal word is co-driven by these health H-codes, not flammability alone. SDS §8 directs an organic-vapor cartridge respirator when ventilation is inadequate; the 185 mmHg vapor pressure and toluene fraction make that the operative case in any enclosed garage.”
— Gumout
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.134; 1910.138; 1910.1000
“the primary objective shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination…”
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
UN GHS hazard statement
H373“May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure”
UN GHS Rev. 9 (2021)
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
The published Safety Data Sheet for this product does not specify ventilation protection for consumer use.
Workplace context
29 CFR 1910.134(a); 1910.1000
“the primary objective shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination [via] accepted engineering control measures (for example, enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation…).”
Triggered by GHS H336 on the SDS.
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
PPE tiers translate the manufacturer’s SDS and U.S. regulatory standards. Not professional safety advice. How we report safety.
CarCareTruth's Analysis
Last reviewed May 15, 2026
TL;DR A category-staple aerosol that clears moderate gum and varnish from carburetor passages on the first pass, then evaporates fast and clean. It carries the full DANGER profile of the category — Prop 65 warning, reproductive-toxicity classification, high absolute VOC despite the "50-state compliant" label, and respiratory PPE required for indoor use. Safe enough around assembled NBR or Viton O-rings at short dwell times; not safe for diaphragm carbs.
What it is and how it performs
Shake the can, point the red straw into the carburetor throat or at the gummed linkage, and spray in short bursts. The fast-evaporating solvent system dissolves varnish and fuel gum, flushes them down the throat, and leaves passages dry within seconds. Community evidence on small-engine and vintage motorcycle forums is consistent: one can handles a typical seasonally-gummed lawnmower or generator carb in one pass; severely varnished carbs from long-stored fuel often need a second can or a dunk in a proper carb dip. There's no oily residue left in the float bowl or jet passages after air-gun drying.
Who should buy this — and who should skip it
The right buy for a home mechanic with a sit-started lawnmower, generator, snowblower, or vintage carbureted vehicle that just needs the seasonal gum cleared. Wide retail availability and a fair per-can price make it the default category pick. Skip it for diaphragm carbs (CV-style motorcycle units with rubber diaphragms — toluene attacks the rubber), for fuel-injected engines (use a dedicated throttle-body or GDI intake-valve cleaner instead), and for severely lacquered carbs that have been sitting with degraded fuel for years (those want an ultrasonic clean or a true carb dip, not an aerosol).
Safety and environmental impact
The signal word is DANGER and it is earned. SDS §2 lists H225 (highly flammable liquid), H280 (gases under pressure), H319 (serious eye irritation Cat 2A), H336 (drowsiness/dizziness from vapor inhalation), H361d (suspected of damaging the unborn child — toluene-driven), H373 (target-organ toxicity through repeated exposure: CNS, kidney, liver), and H412 (harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects). The California Prop 65 warning on the label calls out toluene specifically for reproductive harm. Flash point is −20 °C and vapor pressure is 185 mmHg — vapors accumulate fast in still air.
SDS §7 directs use in a well-ventilated area; SDS §8 directs an organic-vapor cartridge respirator when ventilation cannot be achieved, which is the operative case in any enclosed garage given the toluene fraction and 185 mmHg vapor pressure. The "50-state VOC compliant" claim is a regulatory accounting result — acetone is exempt from U.S. EPA VOC counting under 40 CFR 51.100(s) — not an indicator of low absolute solvent emissions. Absolute VOC is around 680 g/L: that is what the lungs and the atmosphere actually see, regardless of the CARB sticker. SDS §12 reports toluene LC50 5.46–9.83 mg/L for Daphnia. Empty cans go in household hazardous waste, not the regular bin, and any overspray runoff should be wiped up — never rinsed into a storm drain.
Frequently asked questions
Will Gumout Carb/Choke Cleaner damage rubber O-rings or plastic linkages?▾
At standard 5–10 minute dwell times community evidence on small-engine and motorcycle forums shows no consistent rubber-damage reports for typical NBR or Viton O-rings. Prolonged soak (15+ minutes) or repeated immersion can swell some rubbers — toluene is a known plasticizer-leacher. For assembled carbs with rubber components, spray-and-flush in short bursts and avoid pooling the solvent against gaskets. Skip Gumout entirely on diaphragm carbs (CV-style on Japanese motorcycles) — the rubber diaphragms are particularly sensitive.
Is the '50 State VOC compliant' label the same as low VOC?▾
No. The 50-state compliance label means the formula meets the CARB Consumer Products Regulation for carburetor cleaner aerosols, which is achieved primarily by relying on acetone's U.S. EPA VOC-exempt classification (40 CFR 51.100(s)). On an absolute mass basis the formula is roughly 70–95% solvent — measured VOC content is high. The label is regulatory-true and chemistry-honest at the same time; they're different definitions of VOC.
Why does the SDS classify the product as DANGER if H335 isn't on the label?▾
DANGER here is driven by health H-codes that aren't H335. SDS §2 lists H361d (reproductive toxicity Cat 2 — suspected of damaging the unborn child), H373 (target-organ toxicity through repeated exposure), and H319 (serious eye irritation Cat 2A) alongside the physical hazards H225 (highly flammable liquid) and H280 (gases under pressure). The reproductive-toxicity classification is the consequential one — it's why the Prop 65 warning calls out toluene and birth defects.
Can I use this on a fuel-injected engine's intake or throttle body?▾
The label explicitly says 'Not recommended for fuel injected vehicles' for the inside-the-engine spray path. For external throttle body cleaning on a port-injected engine it's commonly used, but Gumout sells a separate Throttle Body Cleaner (or use CRC GDI IVD Intake Valve Cleaner for direct-injection systems) that's formulated to be friendlier to oxygen sensors and catalytic converters. The Carb/Choke aerosol's high acetone-toluene load is more aggressive than necessary for routine throttle-body service.
How does it compare to CRC Carb & Choke or Berryman B-12?▾
All three are aerosol carb cleaners in the same DANGER/Prop 65/high-VOC regulatory band. Berryman B-12 historically has the most aggressive solvent system (methanol, acetone, toluene plus xylene blend) and is the small-engine community favorite for severe varnish. CRC Carb & Choke is closer to Gumout in formula and label profile. Gumout's edge is brand recognition and wide retail availability; B-12's edge is varnish-busting power; CRC's edge is per-can value. For routine maintenance and moderate gum on a lawnmower or generator, Gumout is the standard pick.
From the manufacturer
Marketing copy from Gumout, via Amazon. Not editorial.
- •Helps overcome: hard starting, rough idling, stalling, high exhaust emissions
- •50 state Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) compliant formulation
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Manufacturer videos
Manufacturer images
Manufacturer specifications
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
- No
- Product Dimensions
- 25.4 x 6.7 x 6.5 inches; 0.25 ounces
- Item model number
- 800002230
- Department
- unisex-adult
- Date First Available
- September 5, 2011
- Manufacturer
- Gumout
- ASIN
- B005LD2C98
- Best Sellers Rank
- See Top 100 in Automotive
- Brand Name
- Gumout
- Model Number
- 800002230
- Global Trade Identification Number
- 00071948010697
- UPC
- 071948010697
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Top Amazon review
↗External — Amazon's most-helpful review for context.
Lots of Applications!
This is a high-value, low cost, high quality product. It is a great product that I use for it's intended purpose -- cleaning carbs and choke valves. I have also found a lot of other uses around the house in which this product works great for:1. Engine Parts Cleaning: Apart from carburetors and chokes, the cleaner can effectively clean other engine parts, such as throttle bodies, fuel injectors, and intake valves. It helps remove carbon deposits and varnish buildup.2. Lubricant Removal: Carb and choke cleaner can be used to remove stubborn grease, oil, and lubricant residues from metal surfaces, making it useful for cleaning tools and mechanical parts.3. Electrical Contacts: In some cases, carburetor cleaner can be used to clean electrical contacts and connectors. It helps remove dirt and oxidation, improving electrical conductivity.4. Brake Parts Cleaner: In a pinch, carb and choke cleaner can be used as a brake parts cleaner. It can effectively remove brake dust, grease, and contaminants from brake components.5. Sticker and Adhesive Removal: The cleaner can be effective in removing adhesive residues left behind by stickers or tape on surfaces. It helps dissolve and loosen sticky substances. KEEP IN MIND THAT THE SOLVENTS IN THIS PRODUCT CAN RUIN DYES, SMUDGE SOME PLASTICS, AND OTHER MATERIALS THAT DISSOLVE WITH ACETONE. Try to use on metal or more robust things.6. Metal Degreaser: Carburetor cleaner can serve as a degreaser for metal surfaces. It helps break down and remove heavy grease and grime from engine components, tools, or machinery.7. Bicycle Chain Cleaner: Carb and choke cleaner can be used to clean bicycle chains. It helps remove built-up dirt, oil, and debris, enhancing the performance and longevity of the chain.8. Firearm Cleaning: Can be used as a solvent for cleaning firearms. It can help dissolve powder residue, carbon buildup, and other contaminants on gun parts.9. Printer Head Cleaning: In printers with removable printheads, carb and choke cleaner can be used to clean printheads. It helps dissolve dried ink and debris, improving print quality.10. Graffiti Removal: The cleaner's solvent properties can be useful for removing graffiti or paint from certain surfaces.