Carb Cleaning
Videos of disassembly are provided by John Aylor in the links below:
Disassembly video Part 1
Disassembly video Part 2
I - Disassembly
A - Remove float bowl
By slowly &
carefully removing float bowl you may be able to save the gasket for reuse.
Use a knife to peel the gasket as the bowl is being removed. Carefully
examine the overflow tube for fracture or loose fit as this can be a source for
leaks.
B - Remove the float
The float is
fragile. Bulbs can easily be dented. If they have recently been
submerged in fuel, shake them and listen for fuel inside. They are prone
to leak with minute pinholes from corrosion/oxidation. Pinholes can be
repaired with solder if done properly.
C - Remove float valve
Old float
valve assemblies should normally be replaced as they are prone to leak with
corrosion.
D - Remove pilot jet
Always use a
screwdriver that has a good square tip as a rounded tip will easily deform the
pilot slot and make removal a serious problem. Note the pilot size
stamped.
E - Remove the main jet
Note the size
stamped. Do not lose the fiber washer.
F - Remove the needle jet
The needle
jet can be removed by reinserting the main jet for a couple threads and then tap
lightly. This will unseat the needle jet and allow easy removal. Do
NOT pull on the jet at the choke shield as it is easily distorted.
II - Cleaning
A - It is best to soak all parts overnight in a good carb
cleaner. Berryman's is available at Autozone, etc. and comes with a dip
basket inside a gallon container. It will not harm phenolic inserts in the
carb body. Observe safety precautions and use in well ventilated area.
It stinks!
- If carb cap
is being cleaned, remove the gasket to prevent damage.
- If the
float is weighted so it will be submerged it can later be checked for leaks by
shaking.
- After soak,
blow out ALL orifices with compressed air.
B - An alternative to soaking is to use brake cleaner to
clean/blow out all orifices.
III - Inspection
A - All orifices in carb body (including those at air
intake) should be clear.
B - Pilot jet should have clear holes at each end and through
the body. A fine wire (guitar string) can be used to clear holes. It
is very important to not distort or enlarge holes during cleaning.
C - The needle jet has an orifice at the side that is prone
to clogging.
D - Insure that no fluid is present inside floats.
IV - Reassembly
A - Reassemble in reverse order of disassembly.
B - Be sure fiber washer is on main jet.
C - Do not over tighten pilot jet.
D - Insure that float needle moves freely.
E - Reset float height. Simple gauge:
http://kawatriple.com/tips/floatgage.htm
F - Insure that gasket is present and properly seated in cap.
G - Insure that slides move freely within carb body.
V - Tuning