Carburator cleaning

[1NorthRyder]

Can the carbs be disassembled cleaned and reassembled without replacing all the gaskets or are you wise to order a kit from redeye, I believe the one I saw was about $85?

[1NorthRyder]

Looks like Redeye doesn't ship to Canada.

[Beardo]

I’ve ordered from redeye, they shipped to Canada. They even issued me a rebate when the actual  shipping was less than they had estimated.

Call them if you want to be sure.

[1NorthRyder]

Found out I could order from them on e-bay to Canada but not from them directly. At least I can get them.

[Beardo]

Ah right.  That’s what I had to do too. 

[Pete]

Just for a normal jet and bowl cleaning I usually do not have to replace anything. otherwise yes just order the kit.

[Hook#3287]

I've had well over a dozen sets of carbs open for jet replacement and cleaning and have yet had to replace a gasket.

[..]

Can the carbs be disassembled cleaned and reassembled without replacing all the gaskets or are you wise to order a kit from redeye, I believe the one I saw was about $85?

Is it something that a fuel additive couldn't fix?

[1NorthRyder]

I’ve tried fuel additive but no improvement. I figured since I can’t ride for four months it was a good time to do a bunch of work on the bike.

[flash2002]

Red eye will ship to Canada. I ordered a few times, just send them an E-Mail  and he will give you the price for shipping. They are good sets, I just finished cleaning my carbs and installed new bowl gasket. If your going to do the carbs, change all the seal, the old ones will leak in time.

[gordonv]

I’ve tried fuel additive but no improvement. I figured since I can’t ride for four months it was a good time to do a bunch of work on the bike.

Which cleaner and what ratio fuel/cleaner did you use?

What problem are you having, I don't remember if you've already written about it.

[1NorthRyder]

"Which cleaner and what ratio fuel/cleaner did you use?

What problem are you having, I don't remember if you've already written about it."

Last summer while travelling through Montana I ran the bike bone dry and must have sucked something into the carbs. I did get it running reasonably well after using an STP fuel cleaner but feel it is only at about 85%. Most rougher running is at low in-town speeds. I've ordered a full set of gaskets and a Digi-Sync as I decided I have all winter to play so I might as well do the job right. I also ordered the Shiny De-Smog Kit and a K&N air filter, along with a whole bunch of other stuff like oil, filter, tire, grips, and speakers. My wife let me buy it all because she figured it was better to have me out in the garage than under her feet. I just bought this Valk a year ago and now that I've ridden it for a year decided to do all this work to really get to know her insides a little.

[The emperor has no clothes]

"Which cleaner and what ratio fuel/cleaner did you use?

What problem are you having, I don't remember if you've already written about it."

Last summer while travelling through Montana I ran the bike bone dry and must have sucked something into the carbs. I did get it running reasonably well after using an STP fuel cleaner but feel it is only at about 85%. Most rougher running is at low in-town speeds. I've ordered a full set of gaskets and a Digi-Sync as I decided I have all winter to play so I might as well do the job right. I also ordered the Shiny De-Smog Kit and a K&N air filter, along with a whole bunch of other stuff like oil, filter, tire, grips, and speakers. My wife let me buy it all because she figured it was better to have me out in the garage than under her feet. I just bought this Valk a year ago and now that I've ridden it for a year decided to do all this work to really get to know her insides a little.

A couple suggestions. I ran a K&N filter for a couple years. Didn't really like it and switched back to OEM. Sounds like some of your slow jets might be clogged. Won't be hard to get them clean. I'd also consider a DanMarc shut off while you've got it tore down. If so, go with the .250 orifice unit.

[gordonv]

Since you are having a problem, I would suggest removing the K&N filter, dump an OEM style, even a used one, in.

If you have only used the one cleaner, try more/others. Berryman's B12 is the one of choice. I get it for less than $5 at Walmart in WA. I but 1/2 can in 1/2 a tank of fresh fuel.

In Canada, I would start with Techron. Can't suggest the ratio, but think the same 50/50.

Sputtering at low speed, then you need to ride the bike at low speed in high gear (low rpm), with the cleaner in the tank. Driving means you can enjoy the ride and not worry about cooling.

Some have reported using 3 different (a long time ago now) cleaners, and each one seemed to clean the jets just a little more, till it as running 100% better.


I just got a car given to me that wasn't running (cranks, but wouldn't start [sputter a little]). Guy had it towed to a repair shop, paid $ for different repairs. He had enough of it, and was going to get it towed away and crushed.

It took me 8 hours over a week, research, testing. In the end, fouled plugs with a larger gape, and suspect bad fuel and fouled injectors. Re-gaped, added B12 and fresh Chevron with Techron fuel, and 1/4 tank later, car starts every time.

[1NorthRyder]

I currently have the OEM air filter on the bike but when I’m riding it’s ussually long rides so thought I would try the K&N this year. I’ve actually tried several fuel cleaners since last June when I ran out of fuel, they have helped but I still don’t think it’s 100% which is why I decided to disassemble the carbs and clean them properly.

[Bone]

We have had a few members buy new slow jets the cleaning wouldn't get them 100%.

[Hook#3287]

We have had a few members buy new slow jets the cleaning wouldn't get them 100%.

yup

Unless you like to gamble that you got em clean, if not, you get to pull the carbs again.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I currently have the OEM air filter on the bike but when I’m riding it’s ussually long rides so thought I would try the K&N this year. I’ve actually tried several fuel cleaners since last June when I ran out of fuel, they have helped but I still don’t think it’s 100% which is why I decided to disassemble the carbs and clean them properly.

I usually go 25k with the OEM filter, and it doesn't even look bad then. Many like the K&N.

[1NorthRyder]

Oh Boy more money to spend. LOL. Ok so if I'm getting new jets what are the best and how do I know for sure what the right size is. As I understand it your jets are determined by modifications, altitude and temperature. Actually that may be part of my problem as I bought the bike on the east coast and the altitude and temperature are very different.

[davit]

Pull the carbs and do it right.  Buy OEM sized slow jets, I believe 35's, don't get drawn into upsizing to 38's.

[Bighead]

We have had a few members buy new slow jets the cleaning wouldn't get them 100%.

yup

Unless you like to gamble that you got em clean, if not, you get to pull the carbs again.

Ultra sonic cleaner with Krud kutter will make the old ones new again.

[Hook#3287]

We have had a few members buy new slow jets the cleaning wouldn't get them 100%.

yup

Unless you like to gamble that you got em clean, if not, you get to pull the carbs again.

Ultra sonic cleaner with Krud kutter will make the old ones new again.

I know many have these.  What does one of those puppies go for?

[gordonv]

I’ve actually tried several fuel cleaners since last June when I ran out of fuel, they have helped but I still don’t think it’s 100% which is why I decided to disassemble the carbs and clean them properly.

What RPM? This is why I mentioned you need low RPM. So long trips at 3K rpm won't do anything to the slow jets. You want it to idle, 1-2K rpm, which is why riding slow in high hear (low rpm), which would also allow cooling of the engine.

But then, I'm trying to avoid pulling/cleaning the carbs at all costs (time/place to fix).

I know many have these.  What does one of those puppies go for?

I was thinking just the same thing. Seems I can get a jewelry one for $50. I figure if it fits, it will work. Even found a few (more expensive 2L volume) locally in CL.

[1NorthRyder]

Well the carbs are off and disassembled. They do have a bit of dirt in them, like a fine red sand. The jets all look pretty good but I’m betting water that fine stuff is is what has been causing my issue. Any suggestions on a good way to clean out the inside of the gas tank while I’ve got it off or should I just put a little fuel in it and swish it around and dump it a few times?

[1NorthRyder]

I also installed the Shiny Desmond Kit today, that went pretty easy. Gotta love the YouTube videos guys have posted both for the carb cleaning and installation of the Desmog kit.

[dancnman]

Well the carbs are off and disassembled. They do have a bit of dirt in them, like a fine red sand. The jets all look pretty good but I’m betting water that fine stuff is is what has been causing my issue. Any suggestions on a good way to clean out the inside of the gas tank while I’ve got it off or should I just put a little fuel in it and swish it around and dump it a few times?

Take the valve out of the tank and as you said swish some fuel around in it a few times. I have a small Ultrasonic Cleaner that will make your jets and other things like new. Like your wife's jewelry to get her on board. And your gun parts etc. I always use Berrymans B12 in my bike. It will absorb some water/moisture and burn it. Cheaper than Sea Foam and I think better. Good luck.