How To Clean A Motorcycle Carburetor

How To Clean A Motorcycle Carburetor | MC GARAGE

Рет қаралды 972,739

8 жыл бұрын

Got an old bike that’s not running right? The carburetor may very well need a cleaning. In this video from the MC Garage, Senior Road Test Editor Ari Henning takes you through the process of cleaning a carburetor. It’s not terribly complicated and it doesn’t take any specialized tools, but it does take attention to detail! So put on your safety glasses and rubber gloves and get to it.
--
Got an old bike that’s not running right? The carburetor may very well need a cleaning. The carb is tasked with supplying the engine with fuel and air in a very precise ratio, and to do that it relies on numerous small passageways and orifices. Sometimes though, those little holes get clogged, and when they do your bike may have a hard time starting or may not want to idle. When that happens, it’s time to give the carburetor a good cleaning.
In this video from the MC Garage, Senior Road Test Editor Ari Henning takes you through the motorcycle carb cleaning process. It's not terribly complicated and it doesn't take any specialized tools, but it does take attention to detail! So put on your safety glasses and rubber gloves and get to it.
And while you've got your bike in the garage, make sure you lube your chain (click here for How To Lube Your Chain), and take a few minutes to give your bike a thorough safety check (see Safety Check here). And why not lube your control cables, too? We show you how to do it all in our MC Garage video section.
Full story here: www.motorcyclistonline.com/mc...
Subscribe: kzfaq.info...
Motorcyclist Shirts: teespring.com/stores/motorcyc...
Shop Products We Use: www.amazon.com/shop/motorcycl...
See more from us: www.motorcyclistonline.com/

Пікірлер: 480

@dtmccurdy11 8 жыл бұрын

Biggest rookie mistake I ever made and learned from was when cleaning carbs, keep carb cleaner away from anything rubber. It swells gaskets and messes with everything. I didn't know this on my first carb job and couldn't figure out why the thing leaked like crazy and flooded the engine until I finally figured it out. Please learn from me

@Durangedkitten 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the advice.

@MrKidkiller159 7 жыл бұрын

yamaha carb cleaner won't harm the delicate parts.

@jrattackk 6 жыл бұрын

yeah idk why the guy in vid sprayed it directly onto the gasket lol that's when i turned the video off lol

@julietwarman2389 6 жыл бұрын

very true i mean look what happens to a balloon when you spray it on it lol ty for the reminder :)

@dantae666 5 жыл бұрын

noted

@AlexanderSeling 4 жыл бұрын

Today I learned that I will be having my mechanic do this for me.

@RSx94 4 жыл бұрын

thats just money of the window.

@ScorpioNy6 4 жыл бұрын

Lmaoo..same here

@jpalmiotti 4 жыл бұрын

Hahaha

@oekfoh8684 4 жыл бұрын

same. such a ceebs I'm happy to get dirty while changing the oil in my car but cbf pulling all this crap apart

@bigstormy8622 3 жыл бұрын

Bruh first time I did it took like 20 mins and $10... And the bike ran better than before, don't waste your money

@Zeggawong 8 жыл бұрын

Couple extra things. Don't let carb cleaner touch plastic or rubber seals. Don't use anything that might scratch the float valve and seat when cleaning, replace the o-ring on the float valve seat if you pull the carb apart.

@NetscapeGuy 8 жыл бұрын

+Jenkins Bradbury I was about to say, I thought the cleaner would be bad for the seals

@justryan5697 5 жыл бұрын

No wonder my float bowl is leaking since I pulled my carb apart...thanks.

@Kornatzz 5 жыл бұрын

Ryan Gunsauls same the thing literally shrunk

@38Fanda 4 жыл бұрын

crap i left my gaskets on

@steveoglesby4120 4 жыл бұрын

That is probably good advice in general, but I've done many carb cleans and sprayed carb cleaner on a shop rag, cleaning the 0-ring by pulling it through the solvent and cloth. Never a problem. Gasoline is far more caustic than carb cleaner. Some of these rubber components live in gasoline. Letting rubber soak in carb cleaner or any caustic solvent is best avoided.

@dodaexploda 4 жыл бұрын

Informative, quick and to the point. No unnecessary information about what you had for dinner or stalling. Thank you.

@JDnBeastlet 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip. The inner workings of a carburetor have seemed like a dark art to me for a long time. You have shed light.

@user-sl3wv6ns7w 18 күн бұрын

Now we have to find the video on how to put it back together again

@RioLajasWolF 7 жыл бұрын

Straight to the point and simple. Camera shots are great. Really instructional. Keep up the great work!!! MC Garage Rocks!

@ReignitedAuto 8 жыл бұрын

Just want to say that as a mechanic myself, this was a really well put together video! All the pertinent info was there, and it was very clearly laid out. Great job Ari!

@mortensteenjensen3672 7 жыл бұрын

It would be cool if you made a video about "how to synchronize carburetors". Keep up the great work!

@llewellyncooper6276 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this simple enough for a beginner! I feel much more confident knowing what the entire process looks like from beginning to end!

@hommebizzare 8 жыл бұрын

I love those videos. I've cleaned a diagphram carb before, but i thought the jets were adjustable, so I was too scared to screw them off - so i just cleaned them as well as i could with them in

@rohanadhikari3219 6 жыл бұрын

Never stop posting such wonderful tips to clean or service bike parts...great job arihenin for u get to learn so much things

@pallade89 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! you give an answer to all the questions I've always wanted to ask someone about my motorcycle!

@replicanraghav 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I have learned so much from you. Thanks. Saves my time for going to the service station.

@CharlesGauthier 7 жыл бұрын

Hey Ari, great video. Really like the way you broke down the process. One big step is balancing the carbs on a multi carb machine.

@Heyalth 6 жыл бұрын

A few things... It's worth mentioning that if you don't plan on replacing the bowl gasket, DONT pull it out of the groove because they shrink and you'll have a rough time getting it back in and that will likely make it leak. There's also a little button on top of the float needle, make sure its not stuck, if it's stuck then replace it. If the hole the float needle goes in is all scarred up you can buff it out with swabs or just buy a new carb body if it's too far gone to fix.

@Kcducttaper1 7 жыл бұрын

On my Nighthawk 650 (4 carbs), I often run a half bottle of fuel cleaner (I prefer SeaFoam) through the bike once during the summer and once more when I put it away for the winter. I make sure I run it a little bit to get the cleaner actually down in the carbs before parking it and it starts right up in the spring. Similarly, when I buy something with gummed carbs, if it can at least run on its own, just dumping in a bottle of cleaner along with a fresh tank of new gas will often clean out the carbs really nicely. I try to avoid tearing into carbs, but sometimes you are stuck having to take it all apart to clean it out manually and this vid is a pretty good guide for that.

@DynamoTightstar 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. You made it look super simple. Going to tackle it tomorrow as bike it crapping out with any mid to high revs and only runs at any speed with the choke fully out.

@akbarhussain1767 4 жыл бұрын

Hi MC Garage,thank you so much for all them tips ,for cleaning out the carburetor,thank you friend & happy riding 😊😊😊

@HarpreetSingh1991 3 жыл бұрын

It is very amazing to know so many screws and little things are so important keeping a machine running .

@SuEnRoD 2 жыл бұрын

Keep this trick I devised years ago for the future when you do carbutator work.. Try this... Heat the plastic tube from the carb cleaner spray with a lighter (about 1/4-1/2 inch from the end. Then pull on each end of the tube to stretch it. This makes the outer/inner tube diameter smaller and more of a pin point. When the melted plastic solidifies, use small wire clippers or nail clippers to snip the tube at the smallest diameter that still provides flow when spraying. The cleaner comes out like a pin point pressure washer and the shrunken plastic tube end fits inside whatever port your spaying thru. You can also do the same to create 90 degree angles in the plastic tube to spray sideways inside long venturi tubes. I used to make/keep custom tubes around for these situations. Hope this makes sense. BTW.... Great videos.

@blackfire1642 5 жыл бұрын

This video was so helpful and easy to understand, thanks!

@samawad2233 8 жыл бұрын

very helpful and I like how you summarize the steps at the end of the video. Thank you

@Sn0wWh0rE 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip on Ethanol and fuel stabilizer! First time I heard that.

@alanscott6241 3 жыл бұрын

Well done my friend. Stay safe & keep the shiney side up!👍😎🇺🇸

@debbieranido9953 7 жыл бұрын

it helps me a lot. thank you sir for making this video.

@Mr-5.0 11 ай бұрын

I think this is one of the most in-depth videos. Nice.

@Adikxx 6 жыл бұрын

This is absolutely the best bike service channel on youtube !!! You guys are awsome!!!

@raccoons392 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, explains exactly why my 40 year old XS1100 barn find doesn't idle. Now to fix it. Thanks Norm (Toronto)

@Winterstick549 7 жыл бұрын

As a UJM affecionanado I really appreciated this video. This and the fork building videos.

@Ribs13 8 жыл бұрын

great video. I just got a CM400C, in great shape, hasn't run in a decade...thanks for the lesson bro.

@BigSteeno 7 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video. Short and to the point. Cheers

@NaturalZBey 5 жыл бұрын

Thousand Times better than the last video i liked at! Thanks!

@ParadiseBiker 5 жыл бұрын

Helped soo much, Cleaned my carb for the first time and some of the comments helped to advise me not to let the cleaner touch my rubber parts.

@max1chase166 6 жыл бұрын

Great video Very detailed on the specific and you did not stray off topic, Again very well Done.

@justashibainu 5 жыл бұрын

I just want to say thank you so much for this tutorial. The dirt bike I got from Craigslist was running like shit, I cleaned the carbs exactly like you showed and now it's running beautifully.

@tamilselvan3158 2 жыл бұрын

With what cleaning liquid the carb is cleaned.

@patrickobrien2068 5 ай бұрын

Excellent, concise instructions. Thank you!

@Kyre5049 6 жыл бұрын

Fuel stabilizer is a very great recommendation. Thanks

@johnchapman5819 3 жыл бұрын

thank you for the straightforward instructions

@mcnuttslap 7 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. Thank you!

@jacobfire 6 жыл бұрын

Legit have owned my bike for 1 day and knew nothing about bikes and this brief video helped me get it running 👍🏻

@wattanparrast 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips bro. Keep up the good work

@bradleyrinzel5575 Ай бұрын

Thanks for this easy to follow video. I had a fixed screw and would not have known if you had not mentioned it.

@ewgenijwolkow9770 5 жыл бұрын

thx for the clear explanation. found the clogged valve and now my honda cm125 runs again :)

@jimshelton1437 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this clear and simple video without Excessive talking about their personal life, extended music ect...

@ToastedBuns207 6 жыл бұрын

Very informative video. I plan on installing a new exhaust on my bike so I will need bigger jets to go with it. Might as well clean the carbs while I’m in there

@kamahoo451 5 жыл бұрын

....Well damn! Here i am thinking you needed a degree in rocket science or something to clean bike carbs! Just got a 95 ZX11 and about to clean the carbs. Bike just sat for several years and needs some love. Thanks for the post!

@cosmosemancipated8528 4 жыл бұрын

Well done!

@prestonperez9610 4 жыл бұрын

Did you get her started? I love hearing about old bikes sitting for years getting a good carb clean and starting right up

@kamahoo451 4 жыл бұрын

Ok; bike had been sitting on the side of owner's house for sometime with a broke fuel tank cover. Got it to my garage and attempted to start and after sitti n g for some years, it fired up. Not getting power to fuel pump so used battery charger to power. Started but couldn't give any throttle. Began draining fuel tank and wondered why after sitting so long the fuel was so clear,,,,,,wasn't fuel, water! A lot of goop and rust followed! Cleaned carbs and tank and replaced all seals. In process of troubleshooting power to pump issue along with other work that needs to be done on it. Hoping to have it going by Summer. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

@cesartapia610 3 жыл бұрын

@@kamahoo451 Any luck with the bike? Did you end up fixing it?

@kamahoo451 3 жыл бұрын

Haven't had a chance to put any more time into it, to many "irons in the fire!" Did reinstall carbs. Bike started and sounds really strong but even after reaching running temp it will not run without choke being fully open. Not sure but I'm being told it is a jet issue. Thinking of having them properly rebuilt by someone who actually knows what they are doing!

@osamabentrappin4102 3 жыл бұрын

honestly the best bike tutorial videos out there i stg

@billivey3426 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I am gonna subscribe to Motorcycleist again. I miss those helpful tips.

@theodoremarakas9899 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for not killing us with horrible music. Thank you for making the video short and sweet

@corkyshrigley 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks!

@Madiateur 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks much, Going to follow these steps to clean both carbs for my ex250

@chrisligrano2985 4 жыл бұрын

Dude awesome vid. Thank you😋

@BlockBoyWez 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks man i feel like im growing with each and every video🤘💎💎💎💎💎

@bbieger2 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent video!! Thank you

@asusindia6902 7 жыл бұрын

i have been looking for a channel like this for ages

@cisium1184 5 жыл бұрын

I'd just like to point out that the words "goo," "crust," and "orifices" were all used in this video.

@theodoremarakas9899 4 жыл бұрын

Cisium You’re a twisted individual, lol I love it !!!!

@mikemike7397 Жыл бұрын

Thanks man thinking about buying a motorcycle and wanted to know how to do simple things like this I know how to work on cars so with your instructions it’s definitely easier for me to take off thank you definitely got a sub from me

@JoeGo101 8 жыл бұрын

great info as always :D thanks :)

@lukemarvenko2845 8 жыл бұрын

hey I watch ur vids lol

@JoeGo101 8 жыл бұрын

+Luke Marvenko awesome bro I greatly appreciate the support 😊😃😎👍

@Paddymac-ln7zs 8 жыл бұрын

oh hey lol

@Dusty101uk 7 жыл бұрын

JoeGo101 lol 😂 I just saw your little pic and thought hay that's joe101 great vids mate love from England

@tmahesh8720 3 жыл бұрын

@franciscoj.manzano2129 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing videos sir!!!

@donniewyland9984 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much this helped me clean my carb

@hellsing2137 6 жыл бұрын

thank you you just helped me get my scooter going

@Chromosome1919 7 жыл бұрын

awesome vid man!

@ted2ar 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the tutorial now i know how to do this

@Zinober 3 жыл бұрын

ive had a problem with my bike 2 months now and this helped alot

@WillemWesterveld 8 жыл бұрын

Nice vid! This is what is up next for our cb400n.

@MattulaTaylor 3 жыл бұрын

Real Good bud !!! Thanks.

@davidkrempaszky2325 6 жыл бұрын

Great video !!! Thank you!!!

@modtyrant1784 2 жыл бұрын

Dude holy crap, thanks for making this.

@lexialexander6113 Жыл бұрын

You are my Saviour im currently trying to get my old bike to run again it died a bit over a year ago and i was too scared to try myself because i had no idea what to do or where to even start hopefuly this will be the final step in my 2 month Journey of getting my bike to run again

@edisonfrisbee6345 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent video!

@WhiteGravey 7 жыл бұрын

i dont have a carb bike or plan on ever getting one but your videos are great!

@damer651 6 жыл бұрын

very good video, thanks!

@upsidedowndog1256 7 жыл бұрын

In my experience, the best carb cleaner is a good degreaser (B52, purple power, etc.). They will even clear clogged jets with a soaking. Just rinse in hot water and perform the rest just as you did. They don't seem to harm rubber parts, also

@louisianapepper1018 8 жыл бұрын

yall the best to watch!!

@Sasha.Belarus 3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff, thanks!

@MrPhilsfilms 6 жыл бұрын

thanks a good and easy video to follow..will be on my carb like a rash now...:)

@PepinoMichoacan 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ari, this came in handy ! Would you recommend the use of ultrasound cleaning ?

@diegogarcia1423 3 жыл бұрын

Right on bro appreciate it

@nightrider2094 4 ай бұрын

On point well explained

@sterlynali6679 4 жыл бұрын

Great video mate

@TheFridge 7 жыл бұрын

I use tip cleaners from the welding supply store. They are stiff and come in different sizes, as well as being abrasive. You do need to be very careful with them, since they will chew out aluminium and brass - but when you have a chunk of crud that wont move, they are great! They are also handy when you need to ream a jet out a little ;)

@pennywisdom2099 8 жыл бұрын

This video couldn't have come at a better time, I have a carb rebuild kit coming for my wife's 06 Shadow 750. Previous owner had it sitting a lot (only 3k miles in 7 years) and while it's basically pristine elsewhere, it gets very close to stalling at 1/4 throttle. I'll replace the o-rings and clean out those carb jets as well as possibly replace that float needle.

@pennywisdom2099 8 жыл бұрын

+Ari Henning Good advice, I found a write-up on how the factory adjustment for the mixture screw may not be the best, I think the popping on decel happens sometimes too so I'll probably tweak that a bit once I get the carb rebuilt. Thanks!

@hanschitzlinger3676 4 жыл бұрын

Good video. Good info in comment section as well. I hope it’s good enough, wish me and my tiller luck

@1chubbyfrass866 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this vid bro🖒

@rohanrawal3949 7 жыл бұрын

Great content guys keep it up :)

@geltvaha Жыл бұрын

great video thanks

@juniperjuniper8774 6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!!

@jasonthatcher9755 2 жыл бұрын

great tips

@RyanRoyer 5 жыл бұрын

great video!

@stevegarip3654 8 жыл бұрын

Great vid

@petersymons7817 9 ай бұрын

Thank you very much

@giff74 8 жыл бұрын

I learned something.... I really prefer my FI bike and don't miss having a carb! LOL!!!!

@hollywood84660 8 жыл бұрын

Lmao

@MrTay675 8 жыл бұрын

Amen

@qdpi2528 8 жыл бұрын

+giff74 Arguably though, if something goes wrong with your fuel injector, you're probably going to have to take it to a shop.

@Yomuju 7 жыл бұрын

Fuel injectors rarely go bad.

@DemonDevistation 7 жыл бұрын

I sincerely doubt it. You buy your injectors and swap them out. It's usually a couple screws and and a connector.

@carlososorio3439 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Bro!

@RastaRider 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Gonna try this on my CR125 that is dumping gas out the bottom of the carb ugh

@alwinbenjamin 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@RevBomb 8 жыл бұрын

love these

@ryancrume Жыл бұрын

great vid

@mackenzierichardson147 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@dinushkarandeniya5524 7 жыл бұрын

very helpful for me

@Slobberdog66 8 жыл бұрын

Great video just subscribed