How to Clean a Carburetor

Your dirt bike, or any small pump fuel machine, can become dirty quickly. Dirty fuel residue will slow the carburetor down and prevent it from working optimally.

Cleaning your carburetor is an essential maintenance task that should be done periodically. With the right tools, it’s a relatively straightforward job that anyone can do themselves.

1. Remove the Float

Regarding carburetor parts, the float is typically the first area that needs cleaning when it’s been some time since service. If it becomes stuck in place or clogged with dirt and grime, your engine could be experiencing misfiring symptoms.

To take out the float, use a pin that fits between its hinges and the body of the carburetor. Gently tap it to release its end.

2. Remove the Float Needle

If your carburetor is acting strange, stuttering, or causing other issues, cleaning may be necessary. Fortunately, cleaning a carburetor is relatively straightforward and doesn’t necessitate special tools or cleaners.

Begin by taking out the float needle. This small part works with the float to regulate fuel flow within the float bowl.

3. Remove the Pilot Jet

The Pilot Jet must be removed when disassembling and cleaning a carburetor. This small brass screw is located at the bottom of the carb body.

To take out the jet, use a small flat-blade screwdriver. Be sure to use the correct size, so you don’t damage its slot on the head of the plane.

4. Remove the Main Jet

If your carburetor has difficulty starting, stalls when given gas, or won’t turn over, it may be time for some cleaning and adjustment.

To do this, thoroughly clean the parts with a wire brush and spray them with carb and choke cleaner. Next, illuminate the jets, air/idle screws, float needles, and plug holes to ensure they’re debris-free.

5. Remove the Fuel Bowl

Before cleaning the carburetor bowl, drain any fuel that has built up inside. Doing this helps prevent ethanol from getting into the jets and creating issues in the future.

Next, unscrew the fuel bowl by unscrewing its bolt and removing the pin that holds it on. Be mindful that the fuel float is usually one piece and may be difficult to take out; make sure not to spill any fuel or gas inside the carburetor while doing this.

6. Remove the Gasket

Most dirt bike and ATV engines rely on gaskets to keep parts sealed from each other and operating fluids contained inside. Gaskets come in various materials, such as rubber, steel, and paper.

When taking apart a carburetor, cleaning the gasket and all parts that come off thoroughly is essential. Doing this will guarantee your new gasket functions correctly and that your engine runs optimally.

7. Remove the Screws

If you want to clean a carburetor, the first step should be removing the screws. These hold diaphragms, gaskets, metering plates, primer bulbs, and the base of your carburetor in place.

Once all screws have been removed, it’s time to disassemble the carburetor. Please pay special attention to inspecting the metering plate, O-rings, and gaskets within its body for signs of wear or damage.

8. Remove the Gasket

When the carburetor gasket fails, dirt and dust can enter the engine, potentially leading to damage. Furthermore, excessive air can enter and create a lean fuel mixture and possibly piston damage.

This part is delicate and should be cleaned with extreme caution. Use a spray cleaner with low pressure to avoid damage to the plastic.

9. Remove the Float Needle

The carburetor float needle and seat control fuel flow into the float bowl. When retracted, this prevents additional energy from entering the vessel.

To take out a float needle, use a screwdriver to lift the pin holding the hinge together and pull out the hand with it.

10. Remove the Screws

Carburetors work by mixing air with fuel to form a stoichiometric mixture. They do this through small jets precisely calibrated for maximum performance.

Adjusting the carburetor is an essential step in cleaning and maintaining your engine. It must also be adjusted according to local conditions, weather patterns, and engine conditions.