Honda Shadow VT1100 Carburetor Rebuild - Part 2 of 2

This is the second in a two part series on the complete disassembly, cleaning and reassembly of my dual Keihin CV carbs for the Shadow VT-1100. It goes into much much much detail. Continuing on I work on the Brass, which is polished, to include needles, emulsion tubes and jets. They are further blown out with air, and look brand new.
With this, assembly is started on the first side with the float and needle. This is followed by emulsion tubes and jets. The idle needle also goes in to full seat with the spring washer and o ring. It is then drawn out the correct amount of turns.
After this the diaphragm for the main jet is introduced. This required some creativity with a paper towel to hold it in the ideal position so it would not pull allowing for the cover to be put on correctly. This probably had to do with some shrinking of the rubber.
Now, the same cleaning procedure is conducted on the other side, as the procedure was completed the rebuild kits had arrived, which changed up things a bit, which included the re-use of the side diaphragms. They were cleaned and that portion was reinstalled on both sides. This included the oval o ring from the kit. That complete assembly is reinstalled on the carb.
Since new float needles came with the kit I went back and removed the old ones and put in the new ones, It required some double effort but was worth it. While working with the bowls, the covers had the old gaskets removed, cleaned up, and new ones installed.
The plastic pieces for the top air filter also has o-rings that need to be replaced, after which they are installed, same thing for the bowl drains. All O rings are lightly lubricated before assembly.
Lastly the idle mixture screws are removed again just to receive new O rings and are then reinstalled to the correct turns. With this the carb cleaning and rebuild is done, and the unit is ready to go back onto the bike.

[@meinbherpieg4723]

This doesn't just provide information. It's done well enough to provide confidence. Thanks for taking the time to make this and especially for taking the time to explain your methodology so well. Take care.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're very welcome!

[@johnvigneault6430]

Most informative video, no fluff, no personal limelight , but very detailed, with helpful suggestions made simultaneously during each step. Job well done. And thank you

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Im glad you enjoyed it! Though, was there a request for fluff and limelight?

[@thewearykind4811]

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed this 2 part video. I have an '07 1100 Sabre, which has been having backfiring issues. Using your videos, I was able to pull my carburetor, break it down, clean it, and reassemble. Thanks.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to hear the video was helpful.

[@kevinpanicara6211]

Thank you Thank you!!! I just rebuilt the carbs on my 2004 Honda Sabre VT1100 following your lead step by step and the results are Awesome!!! It now purrs like a cat with the choke totally closed for the first time since I have owned it. Your attention to detail helped tremendously and saved me so much time, money and mistakes. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and wisdom!!!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it helped

[@keithbrown1256]

I have been dreading tear down, clean and rebuild on my Shadow for years! Thanks for making this so thorough and easy to follow!! Also props to video work..some of those shots are tight and hard to get good lighting. Many Thanks 🙏

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Very welcome!

[@MarcMilord-q8i]

Thank you so much, so well detailled and explained...i will have to do my carburator this fall, and be sure i'll watch again, and step by step..part 1 as well.....JUST WONDER, DID NOT SEE ANY LOCKWASHERS, LOCKTITE ON ALL SCREWS...SURPRISE THAT SOME SCREWS DON'T LOOSEN WITH TIME...AND I DO UNDERSTAND IT's like that original ....thanks again

[@extreemslayer]

I have a 1998 Honda Shadow Spirit. I recently rebuilt and cleaned the carbs on it and these videos were very very helpful. Thank you

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I'm glad that the videos were able to help you.

[@grilledcheesesandals]

wow, your patience helped me so much. your information made this a painless proccess. hardest part was getting the dang carbs out!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad I could help.

[@GerwinKanselaar]

Thank you so much! This inspired confidence into taking my carburators off of my '86 VT1100C! I found out there was a massive blockage in the hole for the float needle :D

[@vikesfan0528]

It's hard to describe how excellent these videos are. The detail is phenomenal! Much appreciated!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're very welcome!

[@joshl2733]

Absolutely a great video all three parts. Very informative and no bs. Thank you very much for the videos i will be using them to do my carbs.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ikutiap5923]

This should be the required minimum quality of all uploads so the world would be perfect on youtube :) such an awesome job, thanks a LOT!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Wow, thank you! Glad you found it helpful.

[@luiswrodriguez9495]

I watched the second part and I loved it! Looking for part 1 then I will follow instructions to my shadow ace carb.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Good luck hope it helps.

[@rankmonkey84]

Thank you for making such great videos on how to rebuild these carburetors. Hands down the best instructional videos, Thanks a million. You are forever known as The GOAT of carburetors. Lol

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks. Glad they helped.

[@Joseph-td1xw]

Great presentation. Easy to follow and understand. I am grateful. Thank u

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You’re welcome.

[@WheelsofSteal]

Sure will! That was the only way it would idle until I did this process you so effortlessly laid out. A couple more things and I hope to get it on the road.

[@eaglerider94]

Very nice tutorial. This will be the 2nd time I do this on my 1100 ACE but the refresher was just what I needed!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it helped!

[@adamlanglois563]

Thanks for the clear and concise video buddy! This really helps me, I’ve got 2 of these bikes! My daily rider 94 that I want to throw a jet kit on for the pipes and filter already installed. And my 88’ that runs but not well enough to ride will most definitely be happier after a rebuild kit

[@retrotechandelectronics]

No problem 👍

[@mcgama88]

An excellent review of a interesting and technical carb set. The attention to detail, critical in restored function. M.

[@sergioquadros4465]

Thank you very much for posting this video. Again thanks

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad I could help.

[@williamhernandez9899]

Hands down best video on this topic 👍🏽👍🏽

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you think so!

[@thedaydreamer7972]

NIce Video,one thing to comment on, Im suprised you didnt inspect and/or adjust the float height to see if it was in spec, it has the adjustable tabs, from eyeing it it looks close, it would have been good to show your viewers how its done while its on the bench,,,,you did a good job being slow and meticulus with the detail and cleaning of the carb which is very important in my view, if you can master this video taking apart any carb is similar to this, its good to see a nice clear video with no shaking, videos like this are going to help people

[@dontheplumber9338]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, now I feel good about tackling the carbs on my 95.😎

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to help

[@blupupher]

Funny, I just watched part 1 yesterday and was wondering where part 2 was. Thanks for this, makes me a little more confident in doing mine (I have a '94 VT1100, but same carbs as far as I know). I have having some issues with a high idle sometimes when hot, as well as occasional surging when cruising at a steady 35-40 mph. Wanting to pull them apart and clean them up, and the pics in the FSM are helpful, but this is even more so.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

If be interested to know the condition of that small filter on the top with the foam in it.

[@agostini15times]

I have the same make/model as yours. Let me know how it went.

[@jacksonmercer6534]

incredibly informative and extremely helpful. im now one step closer to getting my bike back on the road. thank you

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Let me know how it turns out.

[@grahamsterling5152]

Great job!!! Thanks for posting

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@distinctivemf1918]

Thanks for everything bud, I feel better now going into this.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You’re welcome, it’s not too difficult , do t rush

[@Mountainpageproductions]

If you noticed that carb has two different jet sizes in each carb one is a 175s one is a 180s never seen that before there usually supposed to be in sequence but thank you for the vid is was very in depth and helpful

[@retrotechandelectronics]

It is not abnormal to see this.

[@DorianBathory]

Genial el vídeo. Super explicado. Felicidades por la pasión con la que lo haces. Tengo una pregunta. El tornillo a 3 vueltas deben ser las mismas por carburador o uno puede llevar 2.5 y el otro 3?

[@paulomoreira5508]

Por izemplo numa Honda vfr 750 rc36!Deves contar quantas Voltas Tene original de Fabrica! Pois nao sao Todos iguales!!Nao sao!O melhor é deixar IGUALES como veio de (origem )Fabrica! Salmo23.Salmo91.

[@randymelissabutton2159]

Great lighting and great video, makes everything nice and clear. Just one comment, the bracket that goes on the air cut valve is meant to hold down the black tube, so you actually have to install the tube first and then flip over that bracket to keep the tube from backing out....

[@Philscbx]

All owners of any machine should also take advantage of the float bowl Drain screws you pulled out and cleaned, to at least once a week in damp weather areas, drain the accumulated water out, and a quick shot of carb cleaner or contact cleaner to blast out the bowl with screw removed will remove any trace of water & loose crud out as well. Turn on the fuel with drain screw open, to capture from drain tube a sample of fuel to verify absolute clean fuel. Good Job on this video, and good luck to those on this mission. The water invasion in fuel tanks is from the high temperatures from engine captured under fuel tank, and cool down is what creates moisture in fuel to condense, then drain to lowest point,, the Carbs. Insulating the bottom of fuel tank will make a difference with high performance foil backed ceramic matting. I came by to show guest what his job is today with his 2003-1100. Cheers, from retired Honda Tech from mid seventies. Current machine, 07 Neo 1800. A quick video made of NEO clutchless shifting will be found.

[@SebastianDiLuise]

Excelent video, I have a Shadow VT700 86, the carb is almost the same. Thanks...

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Not as friendly as the Mukini's on the Yamaha, but with some patience as you see you can get them running like new.

[@mattcarter1305]

Great video and detail!!!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks!

[@AlexanderRodriguez-pk4cg]

Thank you for sharing great videos

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Happy to help.

[@adrianvelez6345]

Muy buen video gracias ahora ya se como hacerle el servicio a mi moto. Saludos de la Ciudad de México

[@retrotechandelectronics]

muchos gracias!

[@JB91710]

When I look down inside the "Venturi" and set the choke or twist the throttle, should I see the butterfly, or the piston move?

[@garyhull5617]

You can remove the enrichners from the end of the cables, at least on my 98 Ace.

[@manueljuarez1844]

Hello I have a question, I hope you can help me I understand that the high wait of carburetor 1 is 180 and that of 2 is 175 My question is How are the needles? They only have a different letter E and a C

[@jr75848]

I need to do this to my 2000 Honda Shadow VTC1100 but not sure where to get the rebuild kit or anything. I'm in AZ, any good suggestions?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Dealer, ebay, amazon...

[@paulomoreira5508]

Sehr gut erklärt! Danke. Psalm23.Psalm91.

[@cueneytoezkan]

best carb cleaning video :)

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thank you.

[@skeets347]

Very good video that encouraged me to go ahead get that done. My 2003 shadow spirit sat for 3 years and I found small jet on both sides clogged. I saw very minor difference in kit jets and stock so I carefully cleaned and put them back together. I do have new gaskets (the big squary shape one but seeing stock gasket placed in with rubber solution and not much flatten out, I like to reuse it. You mentioned doing a leak test after reassembly, how do you do that? Do it fill carb and then wait to see if it leaks from bottom gasket or there is another way?

[@flamespear86]

Was it also Rem oil you used on the diaphragms? I've also seen some people use evergreen oil but others advise never to use oil on them if it's not a two stroke engine...

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I use just the lightest amount possible only to stop the rubber from dry rotting.

[@Vonogaz]

Hello! How can gasoline get into the crankcase of the engine, that is, into the oil? (Shadow ACE vt750 1997) (RC44) Thank you

[@jorgebecerra3537]

Amigo ¿A que altura debe de estar el flotador? Mi motocicleta esta derramando combustible por la manguera de rebose, gracias por la información.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

El ajuste está en el manual. Me parece que tu sello flotante es malo.

[@humes4545]

Apparently I've rebuilt more.carburetor than you have. But the reason they give you ALL the specs is to check and make sure they are correct.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

*carburetors Thanks for watching.

[@timzydel2717]

hopefully someone can answer this!!!! I have a 1985 honda shadow vt1100c. on left carb there is a spot where a line should be connected and there is nothing!! On the right carb 2 lines go from air valve(small diaphram) to carb. On left carb one of those holes is factory plugged/ The other spot is open and im concerned a line needs to be connected or plugged??? Please Help!!!! Thanks

[@michaeljarchibald7417]

Great videos, very complete, precise and well delivered, will sub. and thanks for the clarity! Just one question, what is 'rem-oil'? I use Remington oil on my firearms, could it be that? I see the little oil bottle and the colors tell me 'perhaps' it is Rem gun oil(?), I can't find any reason for it to not be used in this task from the ingredients, seems good to go.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Its the one used for firearms in the green bottle.

[@bobhyde4793]

what are the small diaphragms on each side of the carbs? what purpose do the have?

[@cri8tor]

Think it would be okay to use Break Free CLP to clean the jets and needles and use a light dab of Mobile 1 synthetic oil as a lubricant for the o-rings? Did you find any additional data on the little auxiliary air box for the carbs and is there an alternative to the OEM Honda element used in the box? Cheers

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I use MAAS or any paste chrome polish to clean the jets. A light coat of remoil for the rubber parts.

[@mikeweston4920]

Is it possible for there to be a plug in the fuel air adjustment screw

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Yes, it is.

[@aerojoacir3974]

Vídeo perfeito

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Gracias

[@cake8291]

Stock jets? Or do you have open pipes shortys? Or any custom things done. I'm just sondering cause mine has 140s in them

[@retrotechandelectronics]

No pipes during the making of this video.

[@34bear8]

Great overall video. Thx, mine had the same problem. Did you find the foam filter that dissolved into the carb? Need to replace mine as well. If so where and part number.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Made my own, it’s in the video

[@drueon243]

Are those bigger jets than stock? That’s the same size that’s in mine but I’m still have some popping on decel I’m not sure if the needles are shimmed though. It’s an 01 vt1100c. Any thoughts?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I believe these are stock. I hear this most by people who change out their exhaust and then try and fix the problems of an incompatible exhaust by over adjusting their carb.

[@zackbaker9962]

Do you have a link for the rebuild kit i cant seem to find one for a 1100 , i can only find them for 750s

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Google eBay Amazon

[@feellnfroggy]

Put the side covers on but forgot the black elbows under the tabs

[@384499CAP]

Hi I just want to ask, can this resolve a problem with mixing Gas with Oil? Im having this problem, this is my second time I pass trough it

[@retrotechandelectronics]

That is usually caused by overfilled oil, the wrong oil without an anti foam, or other possible less frequent issues, but i'd start at those two first.

[@WheelsofSteal]

Great video thank you for the post! Is it necessary to put a little gas back in the carburetor before starting?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

No, the fuel pump will prime it when u turn on the ignition. It takes only several seconds.

[@WheelsofSteal]

Thanks again. I was worried about that. Again, best video I've seen on this rebuild! Helped out perfectly.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

If you feel the need to prime it quicker on this bike, use the choke when running the starter

[@chaotictruth]

Hello nice video!, I'm doing a shadow 1100 spirit, one question what's the name or brand of the oil that you use for the orings?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I use remoil. It’s a gunoil. Get it at walmart. Been using it for years.

[@chaotictruth]

@@retrotechandelectronics great thanks!!

[@1045yale]

I don't have the patience for this how much do you charge to rebuild mine? Same carb.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

For a carb in this condition, generally about 600$ plus parts.

[@bruceedwardgoonan5746]

What was the oil used on the baffles?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Remoil.

[@mikemarthaller8789]

What oil is used to clean diaphragm

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Remoil

[@paulwilcox4486]

Did I miss this or did you forget to set the float heighyheight?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

The float height was checked and not needing adjustment. There was no procedure incorporated into the video.

[@jciam5135]

You're the bomb.com. what did you use to clean the inside of the emulsion tube?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

MAAS

[@albertpfaff6686]

My apologies… you explained the nut with a filter on it … just out of order … otherwise good job explaining…

[@concrete981]

I have the same carbs. when I bought the bike 4 years ago it had a backfiring issue. took it to a shop they put bigger jets in. no backfire but it's running rich. carbon on the plugs and smell they like some gas and mileage is 30mpg. stock exhaust, runs great though. never let me down. what would you suggest. great video.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

The original jets were probably correct and you had an exhaust leak....

[@valdesc36]

Hello, I have a Honda Shadow Spirit VT 1100, year 2005, only 2,918 Miles. Where is located the Sub Air Cleaner filter. Thanks.

[@luis0luis058]

You can send me the link to be able to order exactly that repair kit to order it I have the same motorcycle please I will thank you

[@retrotechandelectronics]

google vt1100 carb rebuild kit

[@luis0luis058]

@@retrotechandelectronics I love them but from that brand I think they are made in Japan because those who sell on eBay seem to be a Chinese brand

[@luis0luis058]

@@retrotechandelectronics thank you

[@retrotechandelectronics]

@@luis0luis058 the dealer.

[@mdwillowswillows5414]

🚶💭👍👍👍👍👍

[@cake8291]

16:32 that little plastic T th as in between these two carbs whats that called ? I'm getting gas pouring out when I start my bike

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Float stuck...

[@cake8291]

@@retrotechandelectronics pouring out of that plastic T not out of the bowl tho?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

@@cake8291 correct, without cutoff the carb is flooding to the top and pouring out the lowest hose.

[@cake8291]

@@retrotechandelectronics Idk I'm confused ill have to check it out more. The T that its pouring out of is at the top of the carbs so it makes no sense its overflowing out of that but I'm not sure ill have to study more on it its the first gen so it was all new to them too i suppose haha do you know what that T hose that's in between the two carbs are called?

[@cmforlasto]

Where do I get the rebuild kit

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Amazon... Its cheap

[@prestonhaley8842]

How do I know which carburetor kit to get? Amazon gave me lots of options for the 1100…

[@MrJcmoore]

Recommend you get some proper tools...

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Hey thanks so much for your wonderful recommendation. have a great day!