How to Clean a Motorcycle Carburetor Without Removing It?

Is your bike taking forever to start? You changed the old worn-out parts, checked the engine, the idle setting works perfectly, oil is good.

So, if everything looks okay, what could be the problem? The criminal behind problematic starting issues, along with a lot of other issues, is usually a dirty carburetor.

Now, removing a carburetor to clean can be a daunting process. So, if you think there should be a way around it, you’re absolutely right. If you want to know how to clean a motorcycle carburetor without removing it, you have stumbled upon the right article.

How to Know When a Carburetor Needs Cleaning?

When you have all of your bike components cleaned up and replaced but still having some issues, you should probably check your carb.

If your bike won’t start or the engine won’t tick and stutters when you fill the tank with oil, you should consider cleaning the dirty criminal. Besides, gunky rusty carbs can also cause rough idle, unresponsive throttle, and engine sputtering.

Regularly riding your vehicle means there is less chance for you to have carb issues. Because when the engine is working daily, pipes and hoses reduce excess carbon deposits. So, constant use of your motorcycle prevents the device from becoming rusty.

However, Be sure to have carb issues coming your way if your motorbike has been sitting ideal for a few weeks or months.

The oil or gas becomes stale and forms into hard deposits if the motorbike sits idle for a while. Hence, if you are not using your motorcycle regularly, consider cleaning your device.

How to Clean a Carburetor Without Removing it?

Most carb usually sits on the backside of the engine at the center of the motorbike. Hence, this device is tough to reach, and taking it off is a nightmare.

You will have to remove the intake boots and refit them. A lot of people find refitting intake rubbers extremely difficult. And if you are not an expert, then all we can say is good luck.

Moreover, the throttle cap adds to the problems. Removing and reinstalling anything related to the carb is very challenging.

Therefore, if you have dirty carbs, you should try to clean them without removing them first. But, if the issues persist even after cleaning, then you might have to dismember the whole thing.

However, let us take a look at the process of cleaning a carburetor without removing it.

Safety Check

It is vital to wear safety mechanic’s gloves at all times. No matter what problems you are handling, safety gloves are a must.

Spray cleaners and petrol can be harmful to your skin. Hence, even if you are not taking the device out, you should not work with bare hands.

Secondly, you should always remember to turn off petrol. Also, it is essential to work on a cold bike. Because you will face petrol leaks and if the motorbike is hot you might end up with burnt skin.

Additionally, hot exhausts are not good for you. So, do not start working on your motorbike right after you have used it. Moreover, keep a fire extinguisher handy for any probable fire hazards.

Pre Preparation

Place your bike in a clean area away from small tools and components. This step is important because if you accidentally drop the device, all the small parts will get disassembled. A clean floor will allow you to find all the tiny bits.

Place a plain cloth below the carburetor. You will end up with a massive mess on the floor while doing this job. Hence, to save the floor from fuel drips and carb cleaner, a high absorbent cloth will be useful. It will also provide convenience while cleaning.

Take Out Rubber Pieces

A standard device comes with many rubber components, including valves, vacuum diaphragms, various hoses, and O-rings. Your first step should be getting all those parts out.

This step is extremely necessary. Carb spray cleaners are exceptionally powerful and might damage those rubbery accessories. Hence, get them out before you spray the cleaner. Or else, you might end up with a bigger problem than just a dirty device.

Detach Air Intake Filters

This step is comparatively more straightforward. You have to remove the pod filters entirely. But do not worry; reinstalling them is an effortless task. You do not have to be an expert to do it.

Removing the airbox allows you to see the device easily. You can view the butterfly valves, and all the other gunk-covered parts by turning the throttle cap.

Removing Screws

The next step is to remove the bolts and screws that hold the float bowl. It means you have to take out the float bowl, too, for this mission. This step won’t take more than five minutes of your time.

But first, remember to drain the bowl. Right after undoing the bolts and screws, the oil will start to leak out. Hence having a pot handy will help you reduce the mess. Put the jar below the float bowl to catch the dripping fuel.

Turn off the Petcock

This step is closely related to the previous one; before removing anything, you should make sure the petcock is off. Or else, the fuel will keep flowing out and leave you in a huge mess.

Therefore, check if your petcock is off. Keep some paper towels with you for the gas leaks.

Undo the Clamps

Various clamps hold the carb in place. You might want to loosen them before starting your work. But remember only to relax them slightly. You don’t want to remove them all the way.

Moreover, it would be best if you also tried to bend the clamps attached with the coolant hose.

Bending will extend the hoses giving you ample space to spray on the rusty device. Also, undoing the clamps will help the gunky components intake a generous amount of spray cleaner.

Clean the Jets

After removing the float bowls, you will have a clear view of the jets. They look like bolts with holes at the center. When you can identify the jets, spray a fair amount of cleaner aiming at them.

This hole is the part that holds most of the blockage. So, allow the cleaner to soak for a few minutes. You will see the gunk will start to loosen.

Spray All Over

Once you have done all the preliminary steps, it is time to hit the blockage culprit with some spray cleaner. Spray inside the parts as much as you can, aiming at the rusty part.

You can use an airliner or air duster to blow any stubborn blockage. Be sure to apply two to three coats before you call it a day. It would be best if you waited for the spray cleaner to do its magic.

Then reattach all the parts and turn on the engine and give it a trial. Your starting issues should vanish at this point.