Honda Shadow VT1100 Carburetor Rebuild - Part 1 of 2

[@NatetheAceOfficial]

I am rebuilding a 1993 and these videos are BY FAR the best I've seen. I love the detail and the little reminders to not cut corners.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to hear the service es was helpful.

[@jembo1959]

I just took the carbs out of my Honda shadow vt1100 ACE 1999. Can I say thank you so much for your video? It has to be the best one on KZbin. It is so detailed and precise, well presented, and a pleasure to watch. My Honda was running like a bag of cats, back firing, and when I took off the carbs, they were filthy. A big thank you again from Ireland. Super super video well done. Cheers Jimmy.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to hear it helped.

[@tylerchaney1533]

I was going to do a video on my vt1100 carbs but not after seeing these. This is the proper and "OCD" way of doing these. He did a better job than most shops would. To anyone reading this i would highly recommend rejetting to a stage 2 (#45 mains, #180 front cylinder, #185 rear and needle shims) even if running stock intake and exhaust to correct the lean condition these bikes run at stock. You feel a huge improvement in performance and throttle response!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

In my videos you will see everything I do is the OCD way, it comes with the disorder...

[@2wheelsOrDieNC]

Just got a 96 shadow ace 1100. Looks brand new but to be honest i have no clue what maintenance shes had done. At 26 years old im sure shes gonna need a few things and this is the first thing i thought about. I appreciate the time and effort youve put into sharing your knowledge and experience my friend. Thank you so much.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Your welcome. Cover all maintenance and start a new schedule is the way to go.

[@2wheelsOrDieNC]

Hey brother tht 96 got totaled n i just grabbed a 97 shadow ace vt1100c2. When i try to give it gas it spits n spitters. I pulled the plugs n they were covered in carbon so its running way too rich. The old timer i bought it from said he went up one size on the jets but its clearly not right. N if i put my old lady on it n ride it gets even worse. When i give it gas it stalls. Any ideas? Im thinking adjust the fuel air mix. But i dont want to start dicking with it without some expert advice.

[@stewdogg09]

Your tutorial has helped me out tremendously! Thank you so much guy, you literally saved me hundreds of dollars to do this job at home, instead of taking it to the shop!!!

[@rossgauthier6352]

This is a fantastic video!!! Incredibly informative and easy to follow! I've never done any mechanical work before and following this video it went smoothly and easily!!!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mudder4660]

After many months after using your videos for carb rebuild, thanks again. Bike running great since. So helpful Sir.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Great to hear!

[@cri8tor]

Great tutorial brother. Thank you for taking the time to record, edit and post your work. Cheers

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Hey thanks. I hope you found it helpful.

[@renegadecarlos8300]

Thanks for the Videos. I have a Honda Deauville 650 2003 and the carbs are similar so your videos helped me throughout my carbs cleaning/repair.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to help

[@dirtyjoe355]

Awesome video very well done i have watched alot of carb rebuild videos and yours is the most descriptive yet . I have to do this soon i made the mistake of leaving gas in my bike for like 2 yrs ,carbs are all gummed up . I have a 2005 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 duel carbs and just bought a rebuild kit off ebay ,comeplete kit with diaphragm rubbers included for $13 free shipping ! Wish me luck after this video i have confidence so ty so much you are awesome plus you saved people tons of money 😀 i subbed and liked take care ty again !!!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Good luck

[@newbernbears]

Following this video and using K&L like the video, my bike runs amazing-THANK YOU!

[@cliffordkrause7442]

Thank you for this very detailed video , just purchased a 2000 1100 shadow areo , used this as reference and bike is running beautifully Clifford R Krause Jax.Fl.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Great to hear!

[@albertpfaff6686]

All you needed to do to separate both carburetors is remove the 2 end nuts on each side … then remove the 2 small screws on the butterfly flaps then take a needle nose pliers and work the butterfly round disk’s up and out and the carburetors will both separate completely !!! You won’t believe how bad those shafts need cleaning !!! Hope this helps someone else in the future 🎉

[@fostachild1717]

Still a great video but You nailed it. I don’t know much but I’m Glad that I watch multiple videos, I seen a different carb rebuild and the guy stressed how important it is to remove the connecting tunnels between the carbs. His came apart so I figured someone down here might have the answer! Thank you.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Hello great video, Thank you I would just like to ask. what do you think the average air/fuel setting 2. 3. Stock breather and stock exhaust 9000 miles but the carburetor was filthy. Somebody was in there. I know that for sure so I'm cleaning up after somebody else but again thank you for your video taking the Carburator out would've been a bear. I was lucky to catch your video. Thank you again.. I just worked on the bike and it was at 4 Turns out sounds a bit much. What do you think. I'm used to 1 3/4. to 2 out.

[@rvelandi1919]

Excelent tutorial video. I feel confident doing this task myself after seen your great video. I have a1999 Honda Shadow Spirit 1100. My carburetor has the valve needles with the small springs (the ones you back turned 3 and 4 times) sealed from factory. How can I safely break that seal and being able to remove them? Thank you.

[@ryanwillliams1925]

This is a great tutorial, I didn't expect to learn that I was missing a couple passages but hey. Question: What is the purpose of the side diagram with the high tension spring?

[@danielschultz3153]

These are to prevent backfires on high RPM deceleration when you close the throttle. It is activated by strong vacuum and will cut air to the idle circuit and slightly increases richness which prevents the backfire.

[@narune5085]

Maybe I can find an answer here. Have a 2000 Spirit 1100. Issue I'm running into is there's a dead zone in the throttle. Bike goes but if just trying to cruise, it bogs and lurches as if it's running out of fuel. Twist throttle past dead zone and it accelerates like I'm gunning it. Any ideas?

[@JM-sb4nb]

Question, are the Phillips screw heads all JIS fitted screws like the 70's bikes use or does the new Shadows use SAE style Phillips screw heads? JIS often has a dot on the top of the head.

[@OtayBuckwheat]

I have a 99 VT1100 C3 Aero, and I've just discovered I do not have the Jets that you counted three at 7:57 and four on. There's a small plate or plug where your jet is located.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Yes, emissions laws had the pilot screws covered. Most have since been drilled out for service.

[@OtayBuckwheat]

@@retrotechandelectronics Mine is a cream puff. The husband-and-wife had matching bikes but they sold hers after she laid it down. My 99 C3 only has 5600 miles on it, but it will soon have more! I considered drilling out the plug but I wanted someone to confirm there was a pilot screw behind it.

[@OtayBuckwheat]

​@@retrotechandelectronics There was residue on my rubber gasket covering the float bowl and I assumed it was old gas varnish. I used the appropriate chemicals in my mother's sonic jewelry cleaner to clean the jets and after very little effort on the carburetor everything looks like new now.

[@OtayBuckwheat]

@@retrotechandelectronics Do you know if the pilot screw on these carbs is Air or Fuel? P.S. Thank You! I was determined to remove, clean and reinstall my carburetors myself, and your video gave me a bit more confidence.

[@martinfeux32]

tanks for the vid did the same job but the front cylinder mixture screw carb is broken could take it off for cleening after reasambled the carb the front cylender is poping smal back fire in idle in the exos can it be a bad mixture srcrew whit dirt inside that make me that broblem or i should look somwere els run great but on road but idle issu

[@JM-sb4nb]

Excellent video. Good work

[@TherealWinterpillow]

Where is a good place to get replacement slides? The rubber on mine have seen better days.

[@OutlawOverhaulCo]

Question. I had a cut on the rubber part of my vacuum piston plunger. So I bought a new one. I’m currently trying to figure out how to remove the needle from the vacuum piston plunger without breaking it so I can install it inside the new one. How do I remove the needle?

[@dkruitz]

Good video! I do believe those screws are JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard). Excellent JIS screwdrivers are made by Vessel and Hozan and worth every penny. Using Phillips tips will eventually bite you on JIS screws. Rem oil on rubber? I would have thought a silicone rubber treatment such as a tire dressing would be safer. How are the slides holding up?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Been using recoil on these for years it has allows the original diaphragms to run in my 01 vstar without issue

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Recoil.... remoil

[@earniemalumpkiss3846]

Where did you get the carb kits?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

ebay, amazon, dealer.

[@wtfjohndoe7004]

I love the DeLorean in the garage bro

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks

[@gabeochoa14]

Hello, do you have a link for the kit you used to rebuild this?

[@roy7602]

Thanks for the helpful video! what type of oil did you use to coat the rubber with, if I may ask?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

remoil

[@robwill9339]

EXTREME FORCE!!!! Hulk Angry!!!

[@logan5947]

Hi there, i've been trying to find a rebuild kit for my 1100 carb and can't find a kit that has all the jets and components in it. What's the link that you got it off of?

[@MTNMANWOODWRKS]

Where did you get your rebuild kit from?

[@cueneytoezkan]

Hi, thank you for this detailed video, what kind of oil have you used for the rubber?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

remoil

[@j.j.h.3909]

Excelente video muy completo, muy agradecido por el valioso aporte. No existe mayor placer que el poder hacerle uno mismo la reparación a la máquina de mis amores, de nuevo muchisimas gracias.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Estoy de acuerdo. y además ahorras mucho dinero.

[@짤막-x6l]

Hi Mr. No matter how I cleaned my carburetor, My Honda shadow doesn't start. It starts if swapped to Harley 883. So I want to change the carburetor. My question is vt1100c3 carb is compatible to vt1100c2 ? Thank you so much.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I’m not sure of the minute differences. You could ask in a forum about the specifics between the carb models.

[@skeets347]

Excellent and very detailed video. I wonder if you did a similar video on removing carbs from the bike?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bV67qqx6eqaUqKM

[@matttopper5017]

What brand is that rebuilt kit? And…thank you for taking the time to record this and put it on KZbin. So helpful!

[@joshuadaugherty4458]

I have a Honda Shadow Aero 1100, 2002 model and I was using this as a guide. The only main difference is the jet you mark on both sides and count the turns on isnt there. It has a flush metal covering and i can't figure out if i am supposed to remove that and find the needle jet under. Any idea?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

They cap the needle for emissions laws, I very carefully drill and pull the caps off.

[@joshuadaugherty4458]

Thank you!

[@joshsutcliffe6099]

What size are the jets

[@matthewduncan9996]

Where did you order your rebuild kit (if you still remember) I'm having a hard time finding one and was hoping there'd be a link in the description.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I believe I purchased it from a dealer on ebay.

[@jelizondo34]

Thanks for posting part 1 and 2. Question; the pin that holds my float seems to be stuck. What should I do?

[@jelizondo34]

And also by full seat, do you mean when it won't go no further?

[@tylerchaney1533]

You can grab the end with a needle nose or flush cutters then gently tap on the tool to pull it out

[@tylerchaney1533]

If your talking about full seat for the pilot screw yes, until it wont go in further. BUT BE CAREFUL! screwing it in too tight can cause damage!

[@jelizondo34]

Thanks for the advice @tyler chaney. I was able to remove the pin, and I now understand the idle mixture screen tightness. Your advice came in clutch.

[@mudder4660]

Thank you for an excellent video.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mdwillowswillows5414]

What size jet was. In it

[@humbertoramirez7799]

thank you for the video

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome

[@user-sg6fb4ip5h]

The carbs can easily be seperated. I'ts only two screws, then just simply pull them apart. The linkage is designed to be seperated, which it does as you pull the carbs apart. Its quite simple. It shows how to do it in the service manual.

[@ninamcclure2193]

That's funny cause I was thinking the same thing and the start of the video says you can't do that. I thought dang I screwed up. They will for sure need synced. I'm putting mine back together this weekend and hoping for the best. Got new diapghrams and fuel pump. Thinking about changing the jets but I might go stock.

[@user-sg6fb4ip5h]

@@ninamcclure2193 lol yeah i thought the same thing! The Honda shop manual i have shows how to split them. Its super simple, as you know. I too thought it was strange that someone could totally rebuild the carbs but not figure out how to split them. Cause if you take it all the way down to that point, then you can see its still got a couple of screws in it. Take them out, and the carbs practically seperate in your hand lol. Im getting ready to pull mine out. Im getting sputtering amd popping as i open the throttle up.

[@timnewman7407]

I came here for these comments alone! Putting my 2 carbs back together as I make this comment.

[@timnewman7407]

@@ninamcclure2193 any idea how tight the throttle springs should be on each side of the carbs?

[@timnewman7407]

@@user-sg6fb4ip5h same question, any idea how tight the trottle springs should be on each side of the carbs?

[@petefarr2547]

hi,... just watched your video, thanks for doing that!... my 2000 virago 250 mixture adjust screw was adjusted all the way in (lean)... with no change in idle or running status, any ideas why this is happening? thanks,... It seems to be running fine, just smells like its running rich...

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Float height? stuck enrichner circuit?

[@thefleaflop]

@@retrotechandelectronics I can spec. the float height and adjust to that spec, but the enrichner circuit.... how is it adjusted?

[@nekron71]

Привет! Вы не подскажете на сколько оборотов выкручивать первичный винт на карбюраторе? Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit 2007 Спасибо.

[@zacharycole8085]

Mine was completely grimy when I pulled it out from the outside. Did you clean the outside before this video?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

There is a separate video of its video showing its untouched condition through the process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bV67qqx6eqaUqKM

[@chris24542]

If the slide piston diaphram is torn like mine is would that cause the bike not to run? I've got a replacement on the way I'm just wandering if that's my issue. Great video thanks!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

That would cause several issues that would not be helpful at all.

[@flag4624]

If you want to avoid screw stripping, you should go ahead and use a JIS screwdriver for those screws, if you look closely, you can see a little dot punched on the head, this means its a JIS and not a phillips screw, this saved me a whole lot of swearing while working on my Honda !

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I really should..... on my own carbs I’ve long since replaced the jis with hex bolts

[@luis0luis058]

how many turns does the air screw take the first carburettor 3 and the second carburetor 4 or both 3 sorry, I don't know English

[@retrotechandelectronics]

The base configuration for your specific bike for these carbs is in the workshop manual, it varies from model to model.

[@OtayBuckwheat]

Upon disassembly I discovered my hidden upper chamber filter wasn't there at all. It can be serviced without removing the carburetors but as low as the mileage was on my bike when I purchased.. I'm a bit surprised. 😮

[@retrotechandelectronics]

yuo, and sucking in all kinds of dirt into the system.

[@OtayBuckwheat]

@@retrotechandelectronics I researched that filter box and discovered it's function. That box and two hoses provide non-turbulent filtered air to the atmospheric pressure side of the carburetor slide diaphragms, but it doesn't enter the throttle body and engine. I've seen where the filter disintegrated and made a mess. The previous owner enjoyed it for about a year or two before he had a debilitating back injury and I purchased it 12 years ago and pretty much parked it when I became up full-time caregiver. It still only has 5600 miles on it and I have disassembled the carburetor and the slides aren't even showing wear. There was varnish in the carb and it was a clogged mess even though I tried to store it properly. Glad I discovered that so I can put a piece of good foam in there.

[@johnvandenburgh8771]

Nice Shovel!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks!

[@oliverdauphin8183]

Thank you for this video

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You’re welcome

[@BASKETBALL_LOVE14]

Is that gun oil cleaner you are useing on the rubber to clean and lubricate it ?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Yes, Remoil. Using it for years, a light coat.

[@freondoesit]

On top of the carburetor what oil did you apply??

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Remoil

[@caseydooley670]

What kind of oil did you use on the diaphragm?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

In both cases I use remoil to cleam the rubber and then wipe off the excess.

[@Luuuke420]

what are the large black plastic nipples on the side of each carb for ? they are just vented to open air on my bike and id like to know what to do with them lol

[@dewittlamar8202]

Hey. I own a Honda 2001 vtc1100c3. Had a carb rebuild and noticed during reassembly that two vacuum tubes that run from the carb to a part that is missing under the gas tank wasn't there. The two tubes are about the size of a dime and a quarter. I would like to know the name of the part that houses them. I thinking its some type of filter being that they run from the engine or carb. You seem very knowledgeable. Please help!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You'll have to get those missing items from your dealer.

[@xIronMikex]

Cant thank you enough for this video. Its clear, straightforward, and well done. Ive never rebuilt a carb and you might just change that for me. 11:08 in the parts manual, it says its the sub air cleaner box (babbits online has an app for your phone and its great for parts breakdown). its the most neglected service item on bikes. Id do mine, but requires removal of fuel tank so Ima have to set a time aside to do that job. Im also curious on using 303 aerospace uv protectant on the rubber diaphragm at end. Its a water based conditioner that helps keep rubber and other things soft and whatnot.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

A light coating of any rubber protect ant should be ok. I use remoil for guns. Been using it for years. Light means Light.

[@bradfords2896]

Where does vacuum line number 6 go

[@justinmasterman4314]

Where can I purchase this rebuild kit? I have a 2005 honda shadow spirit I'm having carb problems on

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You can find them all over ebay, amazon, and just about anywhere if you google it.

[@phantomslyr]

Great video on the carbs. And is that a Delorean?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks. Yes it is.

[@andrewurban8925]

seen that too

[@CraftwerksMC]

I know this is a pretty dated video at this point but I am just curious what year of a vt1100 these cars were on? Thanks sir. I've loved your Shovelhead videos!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I couldnt say as I no longer have access to the bike. Note the shovelhead videos have been moved to the new channel.

[@joemash83]

Love the video, quick question, is there supposed to be a washer between the needle and the vacuum piston?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

some are shimmed

[@joemash83]

@@retrotechandelectronics I mean specifically on the honda shadow spirit vt1100c, is there a washer on the stock setup

[@MCarberry89]

Where do you get your kits from? Will this same kit work on my 98 VT1100C2?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

They can be found on ebay and amazon.

[@johnti8603]

Great lesson. Thk U

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You are welcome!

[@SixGunJustice]

Do you have a link to a good rebud kit? I have a 97 1100 ACE

[@retrotechandelectronics]

They are all over ebay and amazon.

[@albertpfaff6686]

What kind of oil did you use on the slide Diagram… a lot of oils will actually swell the rubber !!!! No good !!!!!!!!!

[@CopyCatGarage]

what is the oil you are using on the rubber parts and seals?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I use Remoil. Its an oil I have readily available for Firearms.

[@CopyCatGarage]

I thought that looked familiar I just wasn't sure, are there any substitutes?

[@tygershit]

thanks for the video, you have made my carburetor jitters settle lol thanks for the help!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

No problem 👍

[@johndiamond985]

JBM Industries diaphragms is not a motorcycle parts outlet, they simply sell rubber diaphragms. They do have one that is an exact fit for this carb and instructions on replacement are available. About $20 each as opposed to $90+ to replace the whole slide. Just a thought, not an endorsement.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks for the info

[@bradfords2896]

Where does vacuum where does vacuum line number 6 go

[@epsiloneridani5738]

Would this rebuild cover a 2005 Honda shadow Sabre 1100?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I don’t know, perhaps it it uses the same carb then yes.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I don’t know, perhaps if it uses the same carb, the. Yes.

[@GhostRider_5903]

I have at 2001 VT1100C. The bike was running ok before, Changing the fuel filter. I did it correctly but, now engine sputters randomly while cruising. Doesn't appear to do it any other time. Seems more prevalent when cruising, after coming down from heavy throttling. What is the problem?

[@Avery-bo5pi]

Double check to make sure it's not backwards or something.

[@jesman13]

is this the same carb as my 02 shadow 750?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I can't be sure.

[@ddogg845]

thanks for the video. very nice

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I'm glad that you found it helpful.

[@marielove3089]

Good job. Thanks

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thank you.

[@81brassglass79]

Is it just me or did that carb look pretty clean 😅 the carbs i take apart would make you hurl.

[@albertpfaff6686]

Also the nuts you didn’t remove… there are 2 of them , one in each fuel float bowl … it’s important to remove them because they both have screen filters than are very sensitive .

[@S4R1]

Thanks for this video! My bike even thanks you!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome. Send your bike my regards!

[@larrygood6764]

What year is this for?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Technically applicable for any model year of that supported carb/.

[@larrygood6764]

@@retrotechandelectronics thank you!

[@mariotorchio4075]

You wouldn't want to separate the two carbs anyway because then they would need to be re-synced.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

What a terrible reason to not separate carbs... Because you would have to finish the job properly. You are one of the folks I recommend pay a mechanic.

[@mariotorchio4075]

@@retrotechandelectronics Get the job done quick and easy as possible so you can go riding!

[@mariotorchio4075]

@@retrotechandelectronics Also, why fix what isn't broken? You just open up more opportunity for problems when you do that.

[@jamesyoung4523]

Sub air filter needs replacement, that’s where the black stuff in the top came from

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Well this is awkward.... So what you're saying is ya didn't make it 11 minutes through... thanks.

[@jamesyoung4523]

Retro Tech & Electronics Lol no I watched it all the way through...just replied as soon as I seen that part....I just went through the same thing couple weeks ago

[@garyhull5617]

@@retrotechandelectronics Brother,......You have an abundance of patience! #remoil

[@best1yet]

good video except the blowing out of carb next to Harley...

[@retrotechandelectronics]

uhm. ok

[@drdoc7508]

exc work

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks.

[@ArlowFarrell]

Can you tell me what part number that side accelerator pump diaphragm is? I can't find it anywhere and i need a new one. That is an accelerator pump on the side right?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

They generally come with the rebuild kit.

[@erickeasling4756]

may I ask what kind of oil that was you cleaned the diaphragms with?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I use Remoil

[@soulgivesoul07]

what kind of oil did you use on the diaphragm?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I use a light coat of remoil