How to Clean the Carburetor?

Aug 25
08:33

2013

Olivia Tong

Olivia Tong

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The carburetor plays an important part in the mixture of fuel and air that goes into an engine and was frequently used on older cars prior to the creation of fuel injection. In fact, carburetors are still common on many motorcycles, scooters, and even lawnmowers, especially two-stroke engines.

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The carburetor plays an important part in the mixture of fuel and air that goes into an engine and was frequently used on older cars prior to the creation of fuel injection. In fact,How to Clean the Carburetor? Articles carburetors are still common on many motorcycles, scooters, and even lawnmowers, especially two-stroke engines.

 

The first step in carburetor cleaning involves actually removing the carburetor from the engine. This involves first disconnecting the fuel lines, engine intake manifold, and throttle cables. The carburetor also needs to be loosened from its engine connection as well, which typically involves being bolted down. Once loose and free, the carburetor can then be removed and placed in a metal pan. This mundane step is significant because it is probably the best way to make sure none of the carburetor parts get lost on a workbench when cleaning.

 

The entire carburetor assembly should be sprayed down with carb cleaner to remove external grime. Placing the assembly over a towel will catch the excess spray so it doesn't spill all over the work area. The assembly can then be carefully separated and deconstructed with spanners and screwdrivers until each part is free and clear. Every part should then be carefully sprayed with carb cleaner or a similar solvent to wash off all dirt and grit. The jet assemblies inside the carburetor should be carefully removed and cleaned out as well. Then the disassembled parts should be left to air dry in an area where solvent gases can't build up. This is important as solvents tend to be flammable, especially confined areas.

 

While cleaning the carburetor parts, old gasket material should be carefully removed. If scraping is necessary, use a plastic scraper at all times. Never scrape with a screwdriver or metal blade. Most carburetor parts are made of aluminum which scratches easily. Since the parts need to mate closely to prevent air leaks, maintaining the surfaces in good condition is critical.

 

As the cleaned parts are reassembled, following a diagram or assembly manual for the vehicle worked on, new gaskets and o-rings should be used in the re-assembly. At all times the parts should be kept in a pan container so nothing gets lost. Once the assembly is complete, a person should go over everything to make sure no parts have been left out. Once comfortable with a complete assembly, the cleaned carburetor can then be carefully installed back in the vehicle. First, the mounting or bolting should be performed to lock the carburetor in place. Then the fuel line, intake manifold and throttle cables can be re-connected.

 

The engine will need to be pumped with the choke to prime it, and rough starting can be expected at first until the carburetor starts working again. Some tuning may be required as well to get the engine idle to tick over correctly again.

 

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