Cleaning the carbs 1: Difference between revisions
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There are 2 separate levels of carb cleaning. The first level is if you have carbs that do work, but you just think they're not the same as before/have lost some performance or smoothness (say, after a winter or other long rest period where the bike sat for awhile). If you just want to try and improve the function a little bit, then using Yamaha Carb Cleaner is suggested. However, as environmental time marches on, the original formula of the Yamaha product is no longer available. There is a [http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/apparel/apscitemdetail/3/124/all/all/322/detail.aspx Yamaha Carb Cleaner], but it's a water-based product that is less effective than the original. If your online store shows a bottle like the one on the | There are 2 separate levels of carb cleaning. The first level is if you have carbs that do work, but you just think they're not the same as before/have lost some performance or smoothness (say, after a winter or other long rest period where the bike sat for awhile). If you just want to try and improve the function a little bit, then using Yamaha Carb Cleaner is suggested. However, as environmental time marches on, the original formula of the Yamaha product is no longer available. There is a [http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/apparel/apscitemdetail/3/124/all/all/322/detail.aspx Yamaha Carb Cleaner], but it's a water-based product that is less effective than the original. If your online store shows a bottle like the one on the left, they're using an old picture. The newer stuff looks like the right photo. | ||
[[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_1.JPG|150px]] | [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_1.JPG|150px]] | ||
[[image:Yamaha carb cleaner.jpg| | [[image:Yamaha carb cleaner.jpg|110px]] | ||
A little back-story on this stuff. In the 90's, Yamaha made the mistake of fueling up their bikes as they rolled off the line in Japan. This means that the gas sat in tanks and carbs for many months while the bikes crossed oceans and continents, then sat in showrooms and warehouses. Pretty soon, Yamaha dealers were flooding their techs with the need to clean the carbs, and this was all warranty work that Yamaha was paying for. To stop this flood of spending, they set some of their rather excellent chemists to the task of developing a cleaner. | A little back-story on this stuff. In the 90's, Yamaha made the mistake of fueling up their bikes as they rolled off the line in Japan. This means that the gas sat in tanks and carbs for many months while the bikes crossed oceans and continents, then sat in showrooms and warehouses. Pretty soon, Yamaha dealers were flooding their techs with the need to clean the carbs, and this was all warranty work that Yamaha was paying for. To stop this flood of spending, they set some of their rather excellent chemists to the task of developing a cleaner. | ||
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The Berryman Chem Dip mentioned below is still available, but for the same environmental reasons you may have a hard time finding it. | The Berryman Chem Dip mentioned below is still available, but for the same environmental reasons you may have a hard time finding it. | ||
So to start, | So to start, [[Draining the carbs|drain the carb bowls]] of gas, close the drain screws, and pour the mixture in. Use a small funnel: | ||
[[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_2.JPG|150px]] [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_3.JPG|150px]] | [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_2.JPG|150px]] [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_3.JPG|150px]] | ||
Then, if you follow the directions, you'd drain and try starting after an hour or two... or just leave it to sit overnight | Then, if you follow the directions, you'd drain and try starting after an hour or two... or just leave it to sit overnight. | ||
*An aside from loudboys: A good alternative is called [http://www.berrymanproducts.com/Default.aspx?tabid=146 Berryman Chem Dip]. It's absolutely the best carb cleaner on the planet. It comes in a gallon can; basically a paint can with an included basket to put the parts in and lower them into the can. I've been using this stuff for 25 years. You can take a carburetor that's been sitting in a junkyard for decades and clean it in an hour. The really great thing about it is that after you're done, you put the top back on and use it again later. A can of it will last for years. | *An aside from loudboys: A good alternative is called [http://www.berrymanproducts.com/Default.aspx?tabid=146 Berryman Chem Dip]. It's absolutely the best carb cleaner on the planet. It comes in a gallon can; basically a paint can with an included basket to put the parts in and lower them into the can. I've been using this stuff for 25 years. You can take a carburetor that's been sitting in a junkyard for decades and clean it in an hour. The really great thing about it is that after you're done, you put the top back on and use it again later. A can of it will last for years. | ||
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:Of course, '''you have to keep all rubber and paint well away from it''' (including rubber o-rings, diaphragms and seals). Hard plastic parts won't be affected. You'll want to wear gloves when you use it. | :Of course, '''you have to keep all rubber and paint well away from it''' (including rubber o-rings, diaphragms and seals). Hard plastic parts won't be affected. You'll want to wear gloves when you use it. | ||
Now, for those of you who want to do it right | Now, for those of you who want to do it right, this is the procedure for cleaning. No instructions for [[How do I remove the carbs to work on them?|Removing the carbs]] are included, though. If you can't follow the manual or FAQ to remove the carbs, then you probably aren't equipped to do this work. | ||
First are the chemicals: | First are the chemicals: | ||
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[[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_4.JPG|150px]] | [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_4.JPG|150px]] | ||
On the far right is a container of parts cleaner by [http://www.amrep.com/apg_product.aspx?ID=24 Next Dimension]. There is also a small amount in the Ragu glass jar on the far left. Next Dimension is highly recommended. Next to that is specific Carb Cleaner, by the same company. Spray cans of brake/parts cleaner work just fine as well. You DO need a spray can for this work. The last item, the open funnel/measuring cup, is the old Yamaha Carb Cleaner | On the far right is a container of parts cleaner by [http://www.amrep.com/apg_product.aspx?ID=24 Next Dimension]. There is also a small amount in the Ragu glass jar on the far left. Next Dimension is highly recommended. Next to that is specific Carb Cleaner, by the same company. Spray cans of brake/parts cleaner work just fine as well. You DO need a spray can for this work. The last item, the open funnel/measuring cup, is the old Yamaha Carb Cleaner. Notice that it went from clear to green. It did its job. | ||
Next we have the tools | Next we have the tools. | ||
[[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_5.JPG|150px]] | [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_5.JPG|150px]] | ||
A #2 phillips, assorted flat blade screwdrivers and a length of copper wire. Not shown is the #4 allen used to put back the replacement screws. The copper wire is ''''' | A #2 phillips, assorted flat blade screwdrivers and a length of copper wire. Not shown is the #4 allen used to put back the replacement screws. The copper wire is '''''essential''''' for reaming the passageways and helping clean. Any metal more aggressive than copper has a very good chance of hurting the carb internals and making them not operate correctly. If you just mess up jets, well that's a $5~7 per item mistake, but if you scratch a passageway, then you're looking at a new set of carbs. And it's essential in the same way a toothbrush is, vs. just rinsing with Listerine... you need to scrub the tough bits that are stuck. | ||
[[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_6.JPG|150px]] | [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_6.JPG|150px]] | ||
One important thought with regards to working on an engine is that any time you leave an opening to the engine | One important thought with regards to working on an engine is that any time you leave an opening to the engine you should block it. If you don't, then Murphy's law will just help you drop something inside. Paper towels are cheap and effective. | ||
It's VERY important that you use a [[A beginner's guide to maintenance tools|quality screwdriver]] that's the right size and in good condition. If you don't, then you're going to bugger up the screw and cause yourself more headaches than just buying and using the right tool in the first place. The screws on carbs, brake reservoirs and the 250 bar ends are notorious for being stiff to remove. Don't let something like this happen to you: | |||
[[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_7.JPG|150px]] | [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_7.JPG|150px]] | ||
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A note on screwdrivers: Motorcyclist magazine, in its May 2007 edition, had a tech tip for Japanese carburetor screws. Take a close look at the photo above while you read this. This is quoted directly from the magazine, and no one from the board has tried these products, but we do consider this a reliable source: | A note on screwdrivers: Motorcyclist magazine, in its May 2007 edition, had a tech tip for Japanese carburetor screws. Take a close look at the photo above while you read this. This is quoted directly from the magazine, and no one from the board has tried these products, but we do consider this a reliable source: | ||
*It is quite often difficult to get the Phillips screws out of the carburetor float bowl. Those and a lot of other screws on Japanese products...are specifically Japanese Industrial Standard JIS 4633B-3/1991 and DIN/ISO standard 5260. Note the dot in one corner of the cross formed by the slots... The Japanese-style Phillips screwdrivers are available from [http://www.amessupply.com Ames Supply Company] and [http://www.katun.com Katun]... Using the normal American/European #1 or #2 Phillips screwdriver in a screw head with the dot on it will most likely strip the head on the first try. | *It is quite often difficult to get the Phillips screws out of the carburetor float bowl. Those and a lot of other screws on Japanese products... are specifically Japanese Industrial Standard JIS 4633B-3/1991 and DIN/ISO standard 5260. Note the dot in one corner of the cross formed by the slots... The Japanese-style Phillips screwdrivers are available from [http://www.amessupply.com Ames Supply Company] and [http://www.katun.com Katun]... Using the normal American/European #1 or #2 Phillips screwdriver in a screw head with the dot on it will most likely strip the head on the first try. | ||
A couple other options for float bowl screw removal: | A couple other options for float bowl screw removal: | ||
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*Another trick: As long as you're going to replace them anyway, use vice grips. By gripping the screw top down and holding it hand tight (not clamping) then twisting, it should make a popping sound as it breaks free. As soon as it pops, stop twisting, get a phillips, and turn the screws out. | *Another trick: As long as you're going to replace them anyway, use vice grips. By gripping the screw top down and holding it hand tight (not clamping) then twisting, it should make a popping sound as it breaks free. As soon as it pops, stop twisting, get a phillips, and turn the screws out. | ||
*One more: Drywall driver bits are great for JIS screw heads. Available at your local Home Depot or Ace | *One more: Drywall driver bits are great for JIS screw heads. Available at your local Home Depot or Ace Hardware. Whoever designed the drywall bit gave us a perfect JIS screwdriver substitute. They come in various sizes and they're cheap. | ||
The following is just a picture of the float. It's what controls the level of fuel in the carbs.... | The following is just a picture of the float. It's what controls the level of fuel in the carbs.... | ||
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[[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_9.JPG|150px]] | [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_9.JPG|150px]] | ||
The following are the different parts of a carb | The following are the different parts of a carb. Note that not all carbs look ''exactly'' the same, but they're very similar and these are NOT EX250 carbs, and not even Keihins. | ||
This is the main jet: | This is the main jet: | ||
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[[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_12.JPG|150px]] | [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_12.JPG|150px]] | ||
You'll want to remove all of the above items prior to cleaning, except the enrichener pickup; that's part of the carb body. This should leave you with just an empty looking float bowl (well, the top of that chamber, bottom of the carb itself). This is the 'meat' of the carb. Up top is just the slide and needle (which will be touched on later in this article). | You'll want to remove all of the above items prior to cleaning, except the enrichener pickup; that's part of the carb body. This should leave you with just an empty looking float bowl (well, the top of that chamber, bottom of the carb itself). This is the 'meat' of the carb. Up top is just the slide and needle (which will be touched on later in this article). You need to probe each and every hole with some wire. Twist a few strands together for the big holes, and just use 1 piece, slightly kinked up, for the smaller holes. You want to be sure to get ALL of the holes, like these on the side of the pilot jet: | ||
[[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_13.JPG|150px]] | [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_13.JPG|150px]] | ||
The | The pilot circuit, also called the Slow Speed circuit, has the smallest holes/passages. They are the first to clog and are deserving of the majority of the attention. The pilot circuit outlet: | ||
[[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_14.JPG|150px]] | [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_14.JPG|150px]] | ||
And the transition outlets | And the transition outlets. These allow for more fuel to enter the engine than just the pilot and help smooth the transition to the midrange, which is controlled by the needle. These aren't pointed to, but are visible just under the brass butterfly valve in the center: | ||
[[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_15.JPG|150px]] | [[Image:Brian_Carb_Clean_15.JPG|150px]] | ||
Take the compressed cleaner and, using the straw, squirt fluid into each and every hole. You should have cleaner going into or coming out of each and every hole, though not all at the same time, and in the same volume as the other carb bodies. And it should be coming out Clear (this one started greenish). | |||
When it comes time to reassemble, the jets just screw back in, but you need to set the float height. Each set of carbs has a different recommended height (listed in the service manual for the given bike). If the floats hang too low, your bike can (and most likely will) run lean, and if they sit too high, you'll likely be fighting a rich running bike. The picture shows a special tool for measuring float height, but a 6" ruler, or even a basic set of calipers, can be used to measure the height. To measure, you want the floats to Just be touching the fuel needle (which has a spring on it, you don't want to compress that) ~ most carbs can just be set upside down and the spring will hold the floats where they need to be ~ some carbs you'll need to tilt at an angle while doing the measuring. To adjust up or down, you just bend the small metal tang that rests on the fuel needle: | When it comes time to reassemble, the jets just screw back in, but you need to set the float height. Each set of carbs has a different recommended height (listed in the service manual for the given bike). If the floats hang too low, your bike can (and most likely will) run lean, and if they sit too high, you'll likely be fighting a rich running bike. The picture shows a special tool for measuring float height, but a 6" ruler, or even a basic set of calipers, can be used to measure the height. To measure, you want the floats to Just be touching the fuel needle (which has a spring on it, you don't want to compress that) ~ most carbs can just be set upside down and the spring will hold the floats where they need to be ~ some carbs you'll need to tilt at an angle while doing the measuring. To adjust up or down, you just bend the small metal tang that rests on the fuel needle: | ||