The carburetor is a very important part of an engine. Keep in mind that it is the carburetor that “feeds” the engine correctly, providing it with the perfect mixture of air and gasoline when it is needed.
On many occasions we take the motorcycle directly to the workshop because it does not start or because it fails, however, in most cases the fault is that the carburetor is dirty, or that its ducts are clogged, so the gasoline mixture can’t get where it should.
It can be said that this fault occurs most of the time after the motorcycle has been stopped for a long period of time, but it can also happen to you even if you use it every day.
Next we are going to teach you how to clean the carburetor of a motorcycle, you will see that it is something simple, but that you must follow the steps so that everything goes well and you save what they would have charged you in the workshop.
Instructions to clean the carburetor of a motorcycle
- To start, park your motorcycle in a flat, well-ventilated and illuminated area, where you have space to work. Also remember that your motorcycle must be cold and off when you go to clean the carburetor to avoid accidents.
- During the process, be prepared to take pictures as you go to remove a piece, so that later you can put everything back in place without any problem. (Memory can play tricks on you.)
- To clean the carburetor you will need gasoline. You can get a liter at the gas station or extract it from the motorcycle, it’s up to you. If you are going to remove it from the motorcycle, you simply have to use a bowl, jug or whatever you want under the lever that is located in the reserve gasoline tank, in this way, once you release the hose and put the indicator on ” ON” you can collect the gasoline you need.
- The first thing you have to do is find the carburetor, for that remove the covers that cover the engine, the battery and the rest of the components. You’ll find the carburetor located at the rear of the engine. It is quite easy to find it, since it has a shape similar to a heart.
- In order to remove the carburetor, you must disconnect it from all the cables (accelerator and electricity) and from the fuel hose. In addition, the carburetor is held by clamps through which the air enters and exits. Finally, for the carburetor to be completely loose, note that it also has screws, just where the air filter is located (you can see it near the battery), so you must unscrew them.
- Now take the carb and remove the caps on both ends. Be careful with the screws and with the small pieces inside. Some are extremely fragile and small, so you could easily lose or damage them.
- Once you have separated the parts of the carburetor you should start cleaning. To do this, dip the brush in gasoline. You can also use a product that is specific for cleaning the carburetor by mixing it with gasoline (you can find it in workshops or in specific motorcycle or engine stores). Rub gently with the wet brush on all sides of the metal parts, (you can also help yourself with your fingers if necessary). There are also plastic parts that you can clean with a damp cloth and then wipe them with a dry one. Once you’re done rubbing and cleaning, set the pieces separately out somewhere to dry. Remember that there should be no dust or substances in the air that could stick to the pieces. Also, you should put paper or cloths under the pieces so that they collect the gasoline that can still drain.
- Finally, once the pieces are dry, start assembling them in place. Remember that if you have taken pictures, everything will be much easier and you will not skip any step or leave any piece behind. When you have assembled the parts that make up the carburetor, fix it back on the motorcycle. Don’t forget to connect the wires and hose as well as the air filter. (Since you have it loose, it wouldn’t hurt to shake it a little with a brush or dry cloth).
Tips for cleaning a motorcycle carburetor
- If you have a pressurized air gun you can use it to help you lift the hardest and oldest scabs, but you must combine it with gasoline or carburetor cleaning fluid, since if you use the gun you can only apply pressure and move the particles to small holes or recesses, so that you clog them even more.
- If you are going to have the motorcycle stopped for a long time then it is best to leave the carburetor empty to prevent it from clogging again.
