General Tips for Replacing a Motorcycle Carburetor
A motorcycle carburetor is responsible for mixing the correct air/gasoline ratio needed to run the engine. If there is too much gasoline it will result to a rich mix, while too little gasoline will make it lean. It controls the throttle, enrichner and the idle speed adjusting screw. A scheduled inspection must be followed to check on these parts to ensure proper operation. Motorcycles don’t come cheap that’s why you need to properly care for it and immediately repair it if needed. This article provides general tips for proper caring and replacing of motorcycle carburetor. These are simple stuff that you can easily do.
Proper Care and Maintenance for Carburetor
General maintenance is required for the carburetor to work effectively. Over time, as gasoline dries up it leaves a sticky residue in the carburetor. This buildup will block the pilot jet and ruin your ride. To avoid this mess, remember to drain the float bowl after riding and keep your motorcycle in a safe place with the fuel petcock turned off. When you do this the fuel will last longer than a month. However, if you forgot to do that and your motorcycle has not been used you will have to detach the carburetor from the motorcycle.
In washing your bike, water goes through the cable and invades the hot-start mechanism causing deterioration in the carburetor. So make sure that the water does not penetrate the carburetor or else you will need to purchase a new one. The carburetor is like the central part of the motorcycle thus it should be properly maintained and cleaned regularly.
Removing and Reinstalling the Carburetor
Detach the negative battery cable first before proceeding to remove the air filter assembly. Use a masking tape to mark the vacuum lines you have removed. Also remove the throttle, choke linkages, and other items connected to the carburetor. Make sure to leave a guide mark on the removed items for ease in reinstallation. Don’t forget to remove the fuel line from the carburetor and if there is fuel spill wipe it.
Once all the linkages have been disconnected, also remove the bolts or nuts which secure the carburetor using a socket or combination wrench. Remove the carburetor from the engine carefully and at a level because it contains fuel. Drain the fuel into a safe can and detach the old gasket from the intake manifold.
Rub the old gasket with a hand cloth. Proceed to install the new carburetor and gasket on the carburetor box. Secure its place with the bolts or nuts and reinstall the linkages you have removed earlier. Reconnect the vacuum line, the choke and throttle, and lastly the fuel line. Also replace the filters for fuel and air and reconnect the negative battery cable. Here you are simply replacing the items you removed so it should be easy to do.
Testing the Engine
Turn the engine on and check for any fuel leaks. Don’t pour gasoline on the carburetor to start the engine. Crank the engine to allow the fuel pump to pump fuel into the carburetor. Do continuous cranking for 30 to 40 seconds and let it cool for 3 to 4 minutes before retrying.
