How to clean motorcycle carbs

In this video I show you how to clean your carburetors. I am performing this service on a Kawasaki Ninja 250r.
The ninja has dual carbs - the procedure is same on most carbs.
Most of the times when your bike does not start after not being run for a while, or does not idle without choke, the culprit is clogged pilot jet(s). If the bike starts and idles fine, but dies when given gas, the culprit is clogged main jet(s). I will also show you how to adjust your air / fuel mixture screw.
So watch the video to become a carb expert and save hundreds of dollars by doing this service yourself.
Thanks for watching
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[@leonardoarmendariz324]

Good video! I'm a mechanic myself. I can tell you that you missed cleaning most important part, the float valve. If it's clogged with debris or stuck closed the bike will not run at all no matter how clean the jets are. To do that, remove the pin that holds the float in place, remove the float valve and make sure the hole is clean, the valve is clean and that there's no liquid inside the float itself. Put it back together and you're done.

[@cadenkreuser9554]

Leonardo Armendáriz is it necessary to clean the air flow screws?

[@brntroutguy]

agree

[@Pendragon501]

I have a 2005 Ninja 250 which would only run on full choke and I couldn't give it gas. I knew I had a fuel problem because I left gas in it for not quite 2 years. I followed your video step by step on my laptop while I was in the garage working on my bike. First off, let me say that I know NOTHING about bikes especially nothing about carburetors! I found out after taking the jets out that the top hole on the right side carb's main jet was plugged and the top hole on the left side carb's pilot jet was plugged. I cleaned everything up exactly as you show in the video and put the bike back together. My bike fired right up!!! She idles! She revs! She runs like a Champ! I can't thank you enough for uploading this video. It was a real help and I truly appreciate it :) Thank You!

[@ebay111978]

1984sFinest Awesome. Glad my video was useful to you. That's how I learned everything I know about motorcycles. +1 for KZbin

[@DanielTompkins187]

1984sFinest I left my 2006 Ninja 250R in a garage with a full tank of gas and the petcock set to on for 8 years and funny enough it started up and revved great with fresh gas and seafoam in it.

[@alecfleming373]

My brother brought me an old like 94 or something 250 ninja to fix... Top end has been done, wish me luck on carbs.

[@Malibus_Most_Wanted]

leaving it sitting for over 6months can gunk a carb

[@extremeencounter7458]

Did you also drill out the air fuel mixture screws? I'm kind of scared of messing something up by drilling them

[@andrescampuzano]

Just wanted to thank you for posting this video. My Triumph Thruxton would not idle without choke. I followed your steps and they worked. She now runs like silk. Cheers

[@kellydragna7632]

Thanks for the video! I am working on my 2007 Ninja's carbs right now and I watching a bunch of videos on the subject. Yours is the best!

[@Turismoremix]

Cleaning my carbs as I watch your video, Thank you for this!

[@no1badufan]

I've been learning more and more over the past few years since I've been riding how to work on my own bike. I have a bike that set up for a year just as the one in this video. Only way it will stay running is in the choke on position (again just like the one in this video). I've tried running Seafoam and Gumout added to my fuel but looks like there's no way around doing what your video CLEARLY demonstrates. Well explained and demonstrated sir!!!! If all of your video demonstrations are like this I will definitely have to subscribe!

[@thunderingth0r603]

Fantastic video, very in depth and easy to follow. I plan to do this on my 1991 kawasaki 600r thats been sitting for 2 years over the weekend and will be using this video as reference.

[@ebay111978]

Thank you for watching.

[@PapaSmiff]

Great video, Tito! Clear to understand and simple to follow, it's given me increased confidence to tackle my carbs... given that I'm not at all confident with these kinds of things. Cheers :-)

[@playerhaterseeyoulater]

Great video, really simplified things!

[@czierwo]

I will be following this video on when disassembling my ninja 250 very soon! Thank you very much for this step by step and explanation video. Was looking for instructions like this for few days now. Thank you again!

[@ebay111978]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@smilingthai]

Thanks for the video! Incredibly helpful!

[@billmetal]

Thanks for the video it was very helpful!

[@ActualTrent]

Bought a zzr250 tonight and the bike seems to be having the same problem, looked at electrical and everything seems fine. Will give this a go tomorrow, thanks for the video!

[@theTrend7]

this video is awesome!!! Thanks for posting

[@garrettwalraven3215]

Hell yeah, I knew it was a pilot jet. My throttle is stuck and the bike won't run without the choke being fully on the second I dropped the choke to half down to nothing it kills out. Not to mention I can't get past 60 on the freeway without its sputtering with hesitation. This video is great help for referencing thank you man!

[@TupacAShakurAfeni]

Thank you for this instructional video. I have a 4 cyl Kawi and I am going to remove and clean my carbs! I will let you know how it goes. What a GREAT GUY YOU ARE FOR TAKING TIME TO SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE. Subscribing now! YOU ROCK!

[@hunterzero9895]

How did it go?

[@joewilkens77]

Really helpful video. Thanks!

[@mozart5680]

Awesome vid! Thanks for the info.

[@myducati748]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@diykhan]

Very informative guide thanks

[@bbaxter921]

Great Tutorial! My wife's 250 Ninja has been sitting for a few years and sounds/idles like crap. Can't wait to clean it up!

[@Romey301]

Thank you so much for this video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!i have to say its by far the best carb cleaning video out there that goes step by step, i also have a ninja 250 that didnt want to start, at first i changed the spark plugs thinking it was that then drained out the old gas put new one on and nothing happened also put sea foam and nothing happened . so my last option was taking out the carbs and cleaning them. and voila!!!!!!! it worked , fired right up, although i did have to use a starter fluid inside the air filter box . and i do want to add ..... to not put carb cleaner on the diaphragms since this will cause it to warp , instead use light wd40. also for the best carb removal i found was the easiest was DIY JetKit install/re-jet- Kawiforums

[@cjljr41]

Thanks, this video helped me get my wife's bike running again!

[@BossFloYeaLike]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@General1552]

Very helpful! I took my bike in this year to get it done and it was expensive. But no more I will do it myself! Thanks for the video

[@ebay111978]

Awesome. Working on your own bike is so much fun and satisfying. Not paying high priced mechanics is just the gravy.

[@unplannedanxiety9790]

I'm about to go pick up a 1995 Kawasaki Ninja ex500 this weekend. The current owner rode it once and now it doesn't do anything when you try to turn it on. It's been sitting for about 2 months. There's a couple of things I need to fix or replace but I'm definitely going to try to clean the carburetors first. Thanks for the video

[@DistritoUniversalRap]

Thanks for this video! I got my self the same bike and It helped me a lot.

[@ebay111978]

Thanks for watching. Glad my video helped. I am currently working on a cafe scrambler build on a ninja 250 - build video are being uploaded as it progresses. Don't forget to check them out.

[@ernestodevia3994]

thanks so much. Great guide.

[@Etjackson87]

very nice vid bro thanks

[@norbertkaroumy5643]

Thanks for the video you saved me a ton of money!

[@ebay111978]

awesome. glad my video helped.

[@GrumpyOldRider]

fantastic video, really helped me out.

[@ebay111978]

Thank you - appreciate the comment

[@TinaCamacho]

this was great thanks!

[@I_Am_Michael]

great video. I have an ex250 that won't start. getting spark. think carbs messed up. I will follow your guide. thank you.

[@cyberjack]

Ive got its big brother the Ninja 400 ... was running like a complete pig and very difficult to start ... you a life saver ....!

[@chrism8366]

The ninja 400 is the ninja 500's big brother?

[@michaelblaskovich9854]

@@chrism8366 that’s a 250 lol

[@1Punkee]

well, finally found an easy video to follow.........I'm going to do this!

[@te69penene]

Awesome video

[@beotheguitarist]

Good video!

[@scottyforte5889]

New rider here. Awesome video much love

[@ulicesalcantar1274]

Scott Anders Music same bro I have the same bike but yellow as this guy

[@edhuckle]

I followed this and was able to bring my motorcycle back to life. Thank you so much for a truly excellent video. Awesome!

[@totaled999]

Great video, I think I have the same problem. I only have one carb which should be easy. Thanks and subbed

[@paulwoodcock6570]

Good video

[@anahg5017]

Guy is not a professional... but gets the job done! love the video! thank you!

[@kylemcweeny878]

How? He did it perfectly

[@pdab1768]

Nice! Thanks buddy

[@AIRFORCEONEAMERICAN9]

thank you so much this has help me alot honda 86 vfr interceptor 6-16-14

[@ebay111978]

Awesome. Glad my video was of help to you.

[@ChunWong]

nice vid!

[@ohmygoditsyomamma]

this is the best video

[@qw43gdtyghdrth]

great informative video but i just watched it because i wanted to see what the carb looked like :)

[@danieldemayo6209]

Nice vid thx

[@f308gtb1977]

Thanks!

[@champking7402]

Thanks Tito !

[@mobiledetail4you]

Nice video, if you have a pri setting on your petcock turn there to prevent getting fuel lock since theres no gas in your float bowl. The other thing I would suggest is remove the float while your in there the needle and seat is important to not cause over flowing fuel as you mentioned...

[@cyberjack]

Thank you.

[@brandonfenn6016]

thanks a lot man this video helped me so much I did exactaly what u did and walllaaa my bike runs amazing and I did it all in about an hour or two would highly recommend to anybody cleaning there carbs

[@ebay111978]

Glad to be of help. Thanks for watching.

[@russaanderson]

Nice video - very helpful - thanks!

[@rupebiervanman]

Well Done!..One of the best "How to clean Motorcycle Carburator" videos on You Tube..Thank you Tito!

[@Jhova_teran]

Hey Tito Sean help me please, I have a kawasaki 250 2007 the bike has only 200 miles because It was sitting for a while, everything was working fine until one day while the bike began to fail and dies, then turn on and when I started to gave it gas the bike dies and doesn't want to start again.... you think it is the carbs? Thanks

[@MissionaryInMexico]

I have an '06 ninja 250r (blue) with same problem. I'll let you know how it goes.

[@user-qv7rw7dq1d]

I have Yamaha Virago, looks like I'm learning tomorrow.

[@roymadaly]

My bike needs this done. Not tryna do all that. What is a good shop in Chicago?

[@benjaminokwei]

My bike starts, idles low, cuts off with choke or throttle applied. Or it will eventually bogg down and die. My question is that since my bike will start but barely would i be ok just pulling the main jet and pilot jet cleaning them and putting it back on?and also as far as the mixture screw if i dont feel comfortable drilling to get to them can i just leave them alone since they are blocked off anyway? I dont have a drill either way just basic hand tools. i am limited on time and need my motorcycle since it is my only transportation i so i was just going to pull the carbs, pull the main and pilot jets ONLY clean them and put them back into the carbs and put the carbs back on the bike.

[@michaelphillips832]

Hey while cleaning the top end of the carb which way are the vacuum boots supposed to go? The boots have a center hole and another hole on the one side!

[@symoonstar23]

Gonna try tht

[@bellaollie2037]

how did you learn all of this? you a magician

[@ebay111978]

haha - thanks. I've owned over 400+ bikes in the past 20 years or so I have been riding. And I've learned from various youtube videos myself. I enjoy working on all my bikes so it is an ongoing learning journey.

[@zaza5913]

Ok about the same as lawn mowers or go karts great thanks so much

[@mightymoe4u2]

Hello, my son in law has a 250 ninja in my basement with the carbs half off. I see the primer line has a T in it but one line off the petcok. Could you tell me where the T goes ?

[@ACTIONDANhero]

Thanks for the replies..... Yeah fixing this Learner bike for my friend has revealed the hardest/ time consuming air filter to remove ive ever seen. Instead of traditional 2 things to remove to get to air filter this gzx needed 13 things to remove..... Crazy design. If they made the giant air box for a 250 just 1cm thinner (which would still make it about 97% same size and sure no effect on performance ) you would be able to lift it up out of frame. I got it out on weekend. Amazed to see melted holes in it and wasnt even connected to carb i just cleaned out. So if i dont glue up melted holes in origional air box and i dont buy a replacement air filter that looked like a black dish sponge desintergrating? Do you have a video showing what you did to the airbox/battery holder when you put the K&N filter in? Do i buy KnN r-0990filter? And if i put that on that just holds itsself to the carb. How much and want parts of the battery holder/ air box do i cut off?

[@MrEdg164]

I did but i use a fuel feeder and on the gas line from the tank is not going down so it not getting gas it has a small piping that the hose goes to both carbs does it get clogged also if so how can you unclog it

[@JamesBond-ij4si]

You completely skimmed over re-seating the CV Slide diaphragm which seems to be the trickiest part, for me. Any tips/tricks? I’m stumped..

[@jeremypaiz1256]

Is this method of cleaning the carb the same for a Kawasaki zx9r??

[@k.j.johnson6877]

Good video. Nice instructions. Can these instructions work for a 1989 Kawasaki ex250 as well. I'm guessing yeah of course but just asking just in case .

[@ebay111978]

Yes - the carbs on all pre 2008 ninja 250s are 99% same. As a matter of fact, most carbs are very similar to each other. Once you know how to work/clean one, you can do it on any carb.

[@d.4tay549]

If one were to use non-ethanol gas, such as a non-ethanol premium, and properly maintained the air filter would this mostly eliminate the need to clean these carbs?

[@stldavid]

Thanks for the video man. However, the metal shavings would bug the heck out of me... Lol

[@ebay111978]

haha - good point. thanks for watching !!

[@m.j.photography5804]

Let me give a little bit more information yesterday they had it started for me with new gas and it with the tank off of it I put a new gas in the fuel line then they hickle finally started however they had to keep the throttle on of course my question is does it sound like it is just needing gas tank clean cars being cleaned and just regular tuneup also I'm buying this bike for $425 it's in great condition he said he just wants to get it out of the yard he was asking a thousand I explained him all the work I had to do to it and that's the price I talked him down to it I'm asking your advice because I really appreciate your feedback

[@MrEdg164]

nice video i the 500r and its been sitting for about 5 yrs and it will not start what do you think i should do

[@ebay111978]

The ninja 500 is very similar to ninja 250. I would first clean out the carb. Follow the video, carbs on both these bikes are almost identical. Drain out the old fuel from gas tank. Put it back together and it should start with fresh gas. Good luck.

[@brucec.8898]

Where does that plastic hose connects too mines came off

[@neuenkirchenash689]

I have the same bike, except red

[@benjaminokwei]

in the event i cant get one of the jets out (fear of stripping the threads) would spraying carb cleaner into the jet hole and letting it soak be effective ?

[@ebay111978]

Very likely not. I use a vice grip and a tiny screwdriver to get the pilot jet out. The pilot jet is usually in there pretty tight.

[@arobjavan9481]

Great job, my zx600 E is a 1993 and has 100 k miles on it. Recently it started to idle very bad and shaking. Do you think this procedure will be the solution? Thank you.

[@ebay111978]

If the bike had not been sitting and started idle bad and shake, it could just be water in gas. If that does not work, check valves and throttle body sync. There are videos on both in my channel. Different bike but procedure should be mostly similar

[@justinthomson7877]

I cant watch someone use a crescent wrench on a carb.....

[@kylemcweeny878]

I can't watch someone be a hater 😒 my man did it with bs tools and it still came out good!

[@kool380]

was it not starting before ? my honda cbr does the same thing when i try to start it just like the last part

[@ebay111978]

Nope. This bike had been sitting for 2+ years so would not start at all before carb clean.

[@davidimartinez8289]

►►► Thank you, I had cleaned for 2nd time the same model bike carb but I never removed the SCREW-PILOT AIR, so I still having a little problem lacking power and I guess is due this part... I will try it again. Regars

[@ebay111978]

Thanks for watching

[@mattb6646]

Why did you skip the carb removal if it's the hardest part :P

[@kielvaninwegen6518]

Careful on the diaphragm with carb cleaner. Carb cleaner with expand the diaphragm material and you will have a heck of a time getting it to seat. BUT if you wait for the carb cleaner to flash off. Can take a couple hours.

[@Jhova_teran]

Nice video... I am going to try tomorrow I have the same bike in black, How long time you spend doing that?

[@ebay111978]

I have done a few of these so from start to finish takes me 3-4 hrs. Hardest part is separating the carbs from the bike.

[@Jhova_teran]

Yes I think that will be, maybe do u made a video about that...?

[@ebay111978]

Robinson TeranP I haven't yet. But will definitely put it down on my to-do list. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@marlenelaravillegas]

I did it and got my bike to start after I changed the oil and got rid of the old gas and put new gas .... although it has a main fuse problem now! So it doesn't turn on

[@HarmlessOSRS]

I'm buying an old 2007 ninja that's been sitting for years. The battery is new, tubing is connected. I can hear the starter working, but it sounds like it has an empty tank even with fuel. This is my best guess for how I need to clean it. Anything else I should check out or try? Thank you for the video

[@ebay111978]

Change out the oil. It is not uncommon for gas to get into engine case after bike sits for a while. Congrats on your purchase

[@HarmlessOSRS]

@@ebay111978 @Tito Sean yeah good idea, I'll get some fresh 10w-40 in there. I'm not used to working with carburetors but in this market I'm happy to learn anything new. Thanks for the video I'll tell you if this helps!

[@lilbazel]

I knew you were gonna say without further ado. Lol idk i just hears it coming good video tho

[@te69penene]

hey working on my byke hwen I was cleaning the main jet 1 big spacer a tiny washer & small o ring that came out what's the right direction to installed

[@ebay111978]

o ring washer spring

[@te69penene]

+Tito Sean thank' s

[@comegetjoe]

Oh man... your information is right, but seeing you use an adjustable wrench on your jets is sketchy, but very, very informative.

[@loganberry7754]

On my ninja it runs fine execpt when i go full throttle it sputters and boggs down. I do sometime feel loss of power in mid range at normal throttle. Could that be my carburetor

[@ebay111978]

Yes - if exhaust and airbox is stock - clean the carbs.

[@tattedup1189]

have you ever drilled out the baffles ?

[@ebay111978]

+Sean Hunter No I have not tried that

[@TheHardik112]

Would the carburetor be the same in 87 honda manga ? Thanks

[@ebay111978]

TheHardik112 Basic principal would be the same

[@m.j.photography5804]

Tito. so i am buy in a 87 ninja 750r looked at it today great shape. been setting for a 2 years. they shot got it running today long enough so i could hear it..sounded good. my question is this i most likely need to do this plus a tune up correct? and do you think that's what the issue was it not starting

[@ebay111978]

mack johnson correct. I would clean the carbs, replace oil and change plugs to start

[@m.j.photography5804]

Tito Sean it will also need a new battery which is no big deal...i will keep u updated. thank you for the help

[@m.j.photography5804]

i also forgot to mention rust in gas tank i need to get that cleaned

[@ebay111978]

mack johnson yes definitely want to clean that first

[@m.j.photography5804]

Tito Sean do u have a channel for that ?

[@rmtheg234]

I recently bought a 03 ninja 500 with low miles, battery is new, the choker cable is moving, the guy said the carburetors were recently cleaned. Normally it should turn over even on cold weather. I keep cranking the bike until the battery dies with no luck and eventually I resort to jumping it with a car until it does run. The bike runs good once it does but when I leave it off for several hours it does it again, the choker doesn't seem to help much. Any suggestions?

[@ebay111978]

rmtheg234 sounds like the carburetors were not cleaned right they need to be recleaned

[@rmtheg234]

Even with the choke on, it seems to not do anything, I see the cable engaging though, but you could be right, it probably wasn't cleaned enough. This bike has only 2500 miles on but it was on storage and not often used by the original owner. I happen to be the 3rd.

[@ebay111978]

rmtheg234 yep. Take them off and clean them again. They will be very similar to the 250 carbs shown in this video. A well cleaned and dialed-in carb should start bike with very little choke.

[@rmtheg234]

Alright, and might as well replace the air filter and spark plugs while i'm at it, thanks for the help!

[@jonathanchau2701]

When taking the gas tank off do I need to take the gas out first or will it be contained?

[@ebay111978]

Jonathan Chau you can turn petcock to off position and it should be fine. You don't have to remove gas.

[@samuelmartinez2639]

Would this be the same procedure for a Ninja 500 as well?

[@ebay111978]

Yes it would. The ninja 250 and ninja 500 carbs are almost identical

[@samuelmartinez2639]

@@ebay111978 thanks!

[@benjaminokwei]

i have a 1989 ex500 by the way

[@shredallday84]

Hey man I have an 02 ninja 250 I just got for graduation but I have to do a carb clean. Any tips for getting the carb back on the bike ? It seems like that will be the hardest part

[@ebay111978]

Congrats ! spray a little WD40 on the carb boots - that will help in sliding them on

[@shredallday84]

+Tito Sean hey I actually woke up and my dad ended up cleaning the carb out last night. The bike sat for a long time but the bike won't idle. It'll run and ride but getting it to idle in neutral is just not happening. Any idea. It's definitely a carb issue but the carb was cleaned. Any idea?

[@ebay111978]

Probably carb not cleaned well enough. It it won't idle, your pilot jet is still clogged.

[@shredallday84]

+Tito Sean it idles for about 30 second max and then just stalls out

[@ebay111978]

I would give the carbs a good cleaning again

[@darkpitbullotusdpl8767]

They strip easily proceeds to use crescent wrench

[@Aprilseahorse]

Overall good overview, but I keep seeing videos like this one that the person used carb cleaner in a spray can. there is a few big problems doing so. 1, if the carbs are older, it can cause the rubber O rings between the carbs to fail. if you must use a spray can, separate all carbs and remove ALL rubber parts. The 2nd probably is that this spray can stuff will etch the brass parts. This can lead to the float value to stick, open or closed. Also leading to build up of junk faster in your jets. Both of these situations can lead to your bike burning up in flames. Using a good carburetor soak to clean them. At minimum, spray your parts and use a air hose and blow out the spray immediately to lessen the effects on your parts.......