The Single Most Common Carburetor Problem (Clogged Pilot Jets) and How To Fix It | MC GARAGE

[@RandomGuyDan]

Good video Ari, but I do have 3 comments: (1) When spraying carb cleaner through the pilot jet make sure that you do a couple of sprays with your finger over the bottom exit hole so that you can make sure the side holes are also clear. You want to see a nice strong mist of solvent coming through. (2) If the jet is completely clogged often no amount of solvent will clean it. Before I pull a carb for cleaning I hit my local guitar store for a piece of steel E string . They will usually have some left over from stringing jobs and will typically give it to you for free. This is very fine but very stiff wire and you can gently work it through the jet without damaging it. Once there is a passage through the jet, the high pressure cleaner will then remove the rest as it passes through. (3) I HIGHLY recommend holding the jet in a towel before you blow compressed air through it. Often your fingers alone won't hold it strongly enough and you can blow it across your garage never to be seen again (ask me how I know, LOL).

[@jasonhochman3750]

wouldn't it be easier to soak the pilot jet in a solvent, such as even rubbing alcohol?

[@camsky8764]

E string smart!!

[@Mada-yq5sf]

Copper wire works fine

[@RandomGuyDan]

@Mada-yq5sf I have found copper is to soft to work through really crusty clogged jets. Guitar string works better. But to get the last of the residue I like blasting carb cleaner through.

[@jared1228]

Cool stuff

[@flyingmerkel6]

When blasting out your pilot jet, hold on real tight so it doesn't go shooting across the garage and land behind the impossible to move workbench.

[@xagba8094]

Wish I saw this comment earlier...

[@RegulareoldNorseBoy]

Why would your impossible to move work bench have gaps things can fall into ? That's the real question

[@dylanbarnard90]

Hi there I'm from South Africa need some advice I'm not sure if it's the carbs but when I start my Suzuki bandit GSF 400 and it's warm when I begin to pull away and I open it to 6 thousands revs it then drops to 4 thousand revs then it jumps to 12 or 13 thousand revs why does it do that it's like when I want to pull away and open the throttle to quick the bike dies I have to open the throttle slowly to ride fast or pull away how can I fix this ? Thx

[@imthedarknight-8755]

Sounds like he knows this from experience...

[@danielwatkins8208]

Quintus 😂

[@hommebizzare]

This video series is great. In fact, the worst thing about it is the time between episodes

[@m_s7155]

I just found this channel yesterday, watched about 6 hours worth of content so far. Your videos are insanely well done guys.

[@m_s7155]

Thanks man, I am! Im a new driver, got a 00 bmw f650, and been having a lot of trouble with clutch linkage adjustment and hard shifting. If I adjust cable to far out on handle shift lever, easy shifting but clutch slips. If I adjust cable to far in, clutch slips still and super bad shifting. Been too afraid to adjust anything where cable connects to arm below on engine (I dont know what thats called). Theres a sweet spot I guess for easy clutching vs slip? I have it set right now to where its hard shifting, but no slip. If this is a common thing can you do a vid about that? That'd be epic man. Or just bring anything else coming, Im sure I'd watch it! :) Thanks very much for the reply sir!

[@IceBoNeZ]

@Ari! Can you please do an vid on replacing forks seals! Mine need done, and I'm hoping I wont need to pay a shop to do it.. :/

[@916chidori]

"...or the bottom." Smooth.

[@IvanIvanov-bu4ji]

lol notice it too. how it suddenly falls on its back lol

[@Kaktuskastl]

scary, somehow

[@ashtongoff7901]

Lmfao 😂😂😂 Im dead

[@chaycet2984]

He a smooth operator 😂

[@noahway13]

I replayed that several times.

[@Josh-zy3lq]

This video was not “very brief” it was informative and not too long. Usually these videos are unorganized. This was not too long. Keep it up ! 👍

[@PeterisKelle]

Thank you so much for this video! You saved me more hours of figuring out what was happening with my Honda Dominator, that it just didn't start (only by using starting fluid). Checked almost everything (fuel, spark, battery, measured stator, pulse generator, coil, electricity contacts, CDI box contacts, vacuum leaks around carb and air box, etc.), especially after disassembling and cleaning carb. In the end your video made me think that it still might be a carb related issue, because I started to remember that the problem started when I switched the fuel tank petcock to RESERVE. Removed the petcock and yeap - there were some debris on the bottom of the tank, without original fuel filter, which clogged the pilot jet. After blasting out the pilot jet with an air gun and assembling everything back together, Dommie now runs just great! Thanks!

[@christopher6635]

I have a honda rancher 350 that will only run on staring fluid.

[@rubenotero7100]

I've been intimidated by how complex carbs look for a long time, but this video was very informative and I definitely have everything I need to clear out my pilot jets

[@johnbaxter85]

Thank you, gave me the confidence to give it a try on my 4 inline carb, removed it all and followed it to clean the pilot. Bike started and held idle fine, so happy!!!

[@Scoottoots]

Ari, thanks. I really get benefit from your clear explanations. I have a 1984 Suzuki GR650 Tempter. A bit of an oddity, but then so am I at 66 years old doing my first more in-depth build. I am doing some performance and styling mods on the Tempter. Carb, exhaust, and air box work, is key on the performance front. I definitely had some high hanging idle with no sign of air leaks at the engine-side boots. Most of the problems seemed related to the pilot system. I've rejet'd the pilots by one size, raised the needles by one notch, and rejet'd the mains by three sizes, to work hopefully well with the new more open mufflers and opened out air box. Of course I cleaned the carb interiors while at it. Fingers crossed :-)

[@Johnferrana]

Any updates?

[@Scoottoots]

@@Johnferrana I've sold that bike long ago, but fyi, the aftermarket main jet was much too rich. Had to be downsized. Other than that it ran awesome.

[@DaytonaRider1]

My VFR400 was notoriously bad for this. Great video! People should really watch this and learn.

[@redryder1146]

thank you for this fan-freaking-tastic video series because of this video series you have given me the confidence to perform maintenance on my motorcycle that I would normally have to pay a shop hundreds of dollars to do last March I put tires on my motorcycle front and rear 2000 CBR 600 F4 have a motion Pro balancing stand everything went off without a hitch this spring I am going to change the clutch thanks Ari

[@wwxxyyxxxwwyy861]

I have no idea what you're talking about but I love this series.

[@vicenterr7]

My just rebuilt 99 ZX7 was running like a dream for a few months, but now it runs poor on low revs. Gonna check that pilot jet . Thanks a bunch

[@wesjewell8778]

Thank you so much! This clears everything wrong with my bike and it worked flawlessly. I’ve never seen a “perfect” tutorial but this covered absolutely everything needed!

[@BoysBarn]

Thanks for the video. I have cleaned many pilot jets and never have I only had to spray cleaner/air to clean them. LOL. When those symptoms occur, It's usually HARD deposits restricting the hole or plugged completely. Have to clean with a small wire, or jet cleaner tips, etc. Jets are cheap, but seems I never have them on hand when needed! Just yesterday, out of the blue, my reliable Vulcan 800 wouldn't idle. Pilot jet was almost closed completely with hard black deposits. Took 15 minutes to clear. Thanks for the videos!

[@xfire7]

Never really a problem until Mr. Ethnol cam along .

[@seansoles1679]

Great little walk through on this most common issue. Appreciate you man!

[@021200zzr]

Ari, how about a vid on synchronizing a bank of carbs on a 4 cyl? Another good one, and a critical setting, is float height. Again, on carbs for an inline 4. Maybe show the method of using a clear piece of tubing connected to the drain port (usually done on the bench). Love the work you and Zach do on this channel, keep it up guys.

[@commandertoucan8975]

I have a 1974 CL360 and that is exactly what is wrong with my bike! Super helpful video. Thanks!!

[@Ultimatrix117]

I just now found your video and it helped me greatly it was indeed a clogged Jet and passageway for the idle!. My bike's would only run on food show and everytime I give it gas it wouldn't either rib out of control a title or die when giving it more air

[@blackiredi]

This series keeps getting better. ...or the bottom... nice.

[@hervedesmeules6412]

i have all this problem, i do step by step like your video and now she run like a new! i'm so happy, thanks. :) 1994 suzuki DR125

[@scottmiller8801]

Excellent video! I would like to add (myself being the owner of 30 motorcycles) that fuel with ethanol in it makes the bike run leaner at idle (in the older bikes any way - such as the Kawasaki KZ`S, Suzuki GS`s and such). Pretty much every bike I own, I have turned the idle air screw out 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn for a much better idle. Hope this helps!

[@xEMRDx]

Been watching these videos for years ever since my first motorcycle!

[@srinivasteki9458]

Spot on. The leakge in intake manifold rubber to engine head is very notorious. Also the mouth of the part that is locking with engine head should be properly screwed (using gel sealant in most cases) Leakages should be taken good care 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@sdavey10]

Perfect, many thanks. Brief videos are great, nothing worse than listening to someone rattling on just to make content.

[@Dowent]

I wish the title would contain the exact issue (pilot jet clogged) and not just "most common problem". I think descriptive titles are always great and help with orientation in all those billions of youtube videos.

[@Dowent]

A mighty title for a mighty video :) . Thanks!

[@Chizuru_Chan-vr7nu]

I'm having this in my Honda Trigger 150. When I open throttle, the engine goes off. But I failed to repair as per your information. But your video gave me the idea how to fix it. Thanks.

[@Kcducttaper1]

My first step with a poor running bike is to dump a bottle of seafoam in the tank. A good portion of the time, that cleans the carbs nicely and I don't even have to take anything apart. That and a good carb balance every once in a while are all I've done to my '85 CB650 carbs.

[@joetroutt7425]

Never understood why the fuel and air mixture screws are in an impossible to reach spot. If you're trying to tune it you have to constantly take it off to adjust it. Ugh

[@sirstriker886]

Thanks. That confirms what I thought was happening. The main jet I know was getting fuel through but the quad would not idle and I'd have to hold the throttle down to keep it running rather rough. I also tried putting penetrating oil into the passageway to help clean out any clogging as well as carb cleaner. I don't feel air flow through but I'll try a bit more TLC cleaning before I reinstall it.

[@moeshouse575]

VERY VERY good young man. iam Moe back in the 60s i did a lot carbs. on big American cars. looks like you know what you are doing. keep up the good work.

[@goranahlvik6947]

Thanks, directly on how to fix the problem, no five minutes of talking :)

[@behmer1879]

Thanks Ari! All your videos are great and really helpful

[@SantoshS1279]

My son 7-year old Tanmay watches and learns from your videos.

[@petar-boshnakov]

Damn Ari, you explain it so good that it almost feels easy to mess with it. Great videos.

[@NJOwensGoFastAngelYYZ]

Great vid Mr Henning .. I just rebuilt my carbs this winter, with confidence inspired by your first carb video .. Thanks Ari

[@cgpubli]

I just LOOOOVEE this MC Garage videos, so easy to understand. thanks... Mr Henning is a great teacher...

[@abymathew295]

Hello, Ari.WE love your videos with lots of information..keep em posting. WHEN CAN WE EXPECT A 2017 SUPERBIKE SHOOTOUT. ????????????

[@lukas-jp9cj]

Always order a Carbrebuilt kit, you might use it afterall and you don't have to wait shipent time. Give the carb some ultrasonic love.

[@AaronCohn84]

This explains so much about a bike I recently sold... definitely time to pop out the carbs on the SV and see what they look like.

[@redshiftit8303]

Love this channel. Ari makes any topic feel like lemon squeezy!

[@kheirymekni790]

try to show exactly wich screw men you put screw tool to show them but i can't notice wich exactly pilot jet is....

[@daltonwilliams6297]

Awesome video as always. Carbs are the main reason I decided to go with my fuel injected fz6. Coming from a 200cc dual sport and a vstar 650 it's best decision I've made. Can't wait until I get done with college and can get a real bike lol

[@chadhamann8315]

I have a knee series carburetor with a 38 pilot jet and I cannot see through it. Should I be able to see light clear through or does this jet use the orifices on the sides?

[@Mack8361]

What if my bike runs great till I run at 55 for little while then gets sluggish and backfires a little and preassure coming from air box and no power ? Fuel pump ? Not getting enuff gas ? I can let it sit for a few and it does good again?

[@888jackflash]

Good. As an old dealership tech, I've told many people: "80% of the time - DIRT is your problem".

[@fwh79FOXR6]

The Single Most Common Carburetor Problem = THE OWNER!

[@calebkroll4698]

fwh79 what if you bought a bike with a problem

[@lynnmckenney1987]

@@calebkroll4698 Previous owner

[@threepot]

Of quality of petrol?

[@albertandrews130]

@@lynnmckenney1987 ALWAYS

[@Carlo-qj5jl]

an owner whos a squid and always on high RPM

[@danielgallina6285]

Did all the cleaning and the bike will hardly run on choke. I do not have the air box on will that matter?

[@akshayrajivale9344]

could you please make a video of your rc390 race bike !! about what modes u have done on it, what one needs to take care while preping a race bike, what should one look for while buying a aftermarket parts ! your video will make alot of difference. please do one !

[@bikermike]

Biker mike has the solution for really stubborn clogged pilot jets! And it’s real easy!!!

[@stephenpratt6145]

What about the return springs? Would taking each carb off the rail not enough spring to return back

[@CheapGuitarsAndMore]

I have a 50cc that hangs after i let go of the throttle with all 3 carbs ive tried on it. 2 new, 1 old and cleaned. New intake gasket too. I think its a vacuum leak, but where else do I have to look if the intake is all sealed up and good?

[@Dswade808]

How much does it roughly cost to get your carbs cleaned from a pro ?

[@ShadowPilot]

That may be the most clever, bumper video / logo animation I've ever seen.

[@jays4forces]

I cleaned all the jets..still does the don't run without choke. Ink where mix screws at for 89 zx10

[@roberttosa2560]

Z50. Love it. Owned one along with the MIni Trail 70 when we were kids.

[@qjuanwhite8285]

Hopefully i can get help here I have an 01 zx6r idles fine but wont go over 40 feels like a fuel issue checked the pump cleaned carbs changed gas and spark plugs nothing worked took the bike to get looked at only to pay 115 for them to tell me change the fuel filter😒 i drove it home decided to remove the airbox and drove it down the street problem went away and it worked a few days now the problem is back weirdest thing ive seen any ideas of what im dealing with

[@IAMKVM]

I have a bike and its done about 80k kms. It stutters or gasps for power on 3k rpm. Upon little acceleration it speeds up & slows down on its own. It runs as if there is loss of power even on high speeds. I tried to adjust the air screw but there was no rpm change even after turning it all the way out. There was only marginal rpm drop when I turned the screw all the way in. Also the bike shuts off upon using choke. What could be the issue? Damaged coil, plug connector or bad carburetor? Please advise. Thank you

[@ronaldarchie4960]

how can you remove a idle mixture screw needle that is broken off and stuck in the carburetor body?

[@jerodrobinson4040]

Having a lot of trouble getting to the bottom of an issue.. I have an 84 Yamaha Venture 1200, it's a V4. While my Airbox lid is off it Idles normally for the most part. But the moment I put the Cap on it instantly Revs to around 5500 RPM. This happens without the throttle Butterfly's moving in any way. Ive completely cleaned the Carbs, Re-seated the Intake boot's and spent hours searching for Vaccum leak's with no results. I have no idea what's going on here and any suggestions are welcome...

[@cisium1184]

If I unloosen the mixture screw, will that enrichen the fuel mixture, or enleanen it?

[@Isaa5500]

I have a 2001 fzs1000 it’s really hard to keep the bike running when cold I pull the choke and its runs for 40 seconds and cuts out... I have to restart it and play with the throttle until it no longer stalls before I can ride off... the choke plunger does not slip back so I’m not sure what it might be ... I have small cracks in the boot inlates which run from the carb to engine .... could that be the issue?? Please advise

[@stephenfraser9009]

Hi I have Klx 650c 1993 runs fine till top end the starts to bog soon as I let throttle off it’s fine but also the idle is not what it should be ?????

[@GhostmodTV]

can you do a video on diaphram carbs vs pump carbs

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

Thanks for the great video. This almost confirms what I was thinking. I ride a '88 GSX1100F and up until a day or two ago it idled and ran great. I filled it at the shell station the other day (V-Power which I believe is non ethanol) and it stalled on me a couple of times while giving the wife a ride to work today. It runs like crap just at idle and a bit above, but when I roll it on it almost rips my arms off. I'm thinking a bit of crap in one of my pilot jets.

[@jsg8803]

Hi , My bike is having some problem which I tried getting fixed by many mechanics unfortunately the problems still persists my carburator slider frequently getting clogged with carbon and after a few kilometres accelerator will get jammed also the air filter which 2 days ago I had it replaced is also having carbon deposits on them and has a petrol smell on them how to diagonise the issue? Sometimes white smoke comes out of exhaust. Any advice????

[@suvakantasamal3713]

Hi, My bike's throttle does not stop even after the fuel screw is tightened to it's fullest extent, Can you please guide what could have been the problem.

[@vertigoII]

Thank you ! I think this has verified my boat problem !!!

[@ridewrenchrepeat3550]

What might cause my bike to just rev to the max at idle? Its also pouring gas out of what i think is the crankcase vent tube. Any info will help thanks

[@kennycoughlan3514]

ah crap, i never thought of the ethanol issue, thanks for this video, very informative and i learned something ! Merci.!

[@tonysmith4218]

hi ive fitted a single carb to my virago 535 , mikuni vm 34, it has sooty plugs so its rich, ive lowered jets to a 90 the pilot is a 35 do i need to lower the pilot, any info would be good

[@bijukari3406]

Hi.. I am having misfiring at idle to quarter throttle, is it a problem with the pilot jet, i tried tuning mixture screw, I thought it was lean and I made it richer, but I don't get the quick initial throttle so I set it to right mixture, since i have fitted an k&n filter, may be I need to up size the pilot jet. Pls let me know..

[@lilnewf123456]

Hey would a clogged carb make my skioo just run on other side ( left carb and piston ) she only runs if spark plug is out on other side thinking it may b cuz no fuel gettin in so

[@dontpanic4295]

I have a 1996 Yamaha VMAX the two spark plugs on the right side or running rich the two spark plugs on the left side looked normal what would cause something like that?

[@firebird14420]

Why would gas be getting into the diaphragm area where the cover is? I have a 95 Yamaha Virago 535sg

[@bennylim2709]

Hi, just want to know that when I'm riding half way like 70km the bike like not moving?? My throttle is on, engine is running. Ilke the fuel not coming out. I have pump the fuel to full tank. Do u know what's to problem with the bike. Sorry that my English not good.

[@johnrichardson8048]

Great video 👍🏻. I’m having that problem with a keihin fcr on my old yz450, I think my issue is the orifice that the pilot jet screws into though, rather than the jet itself, which I’ve already cleaned with no result. Good job 👍🏻 mate ✌🏻

[@joellekarma]

will a bad pilot jet plug cause a bike not not idle down properly

[@1cisqo]

Awsome video, I have a 98 Valkryie and half the jets were just like that. My question is, how do you check/adj the fuel mix screw on a multiple cyl bike?

[@1cisqo]

Thanks for not replying to my question. The answer was in the video. Duh!

[@kristiandaugaard7495]

Bike wouldn't start this morning. Same symptoms as shown on the mini bike. I had the tank off last week, and i guess i didn't clean the tab before reattaching the fuel line. Wish me luck

[@edechamp8874]

Advise needed for my FTR 223 ! :) When the engine is hot (after around 10min of driving), I feel inconsistency in 2 situations : - When accelerating at low RPM : The engine seems to "skip a beat" before the bike actually accelerates - When cruising at relatively high RPM : the engine isn't smooth, especially in 3rd and 4th gear It seems to be carburator-related, but any idea how, and how to fix it ? Thanks a lot !

[@ValleyJoe]

1:38 that was dope haha the carb fell over and u played it off smooth lol

[@Luzsta]

What if the scooter runs well but needs a little throttle turned slightly upon turning over and starting? What does that usually mean? Yes it’s got all the typical 70cc big bore upgrades. Kymco people 50 2009....

[@serratedmiff]

Can the wrong air and gas mixture cause over revving?

[@haydenslife4982]

I have an 1994 Honda xr100r and about 3/4 of throttle the bike lags out what should i do? (I may add this bike is great)

[@JosephGarcia-wm9pf]

My xv1100 is sputtering and hesitating in 2nd and 3rd when I set the throttle for a cruising speed. Any idea what it could be? Idle is fine. But anything under 45mph is choppy.

[@emmapringle0452]

I need some advice My bike on 2 occasions has had the throttle do something strange i would say get stuck at 1/4 throttle but the throttle isnt stuck its just still going then i cut the bike off then bump start it because its flooded and everything is fine ?? First time this happened I fractured my wrist 2nd time last sunday i managed to pull in the clutch

[@johnjackson5465]

why am i getting no 1 cylinder not getting as warm as the other it pops on start up do you think its the pilot jet. fireblade carbs 1996

[@_skidge_7447]

I wish I could have you work on my ke100. Haven’t riden it in over a decade and rebuilt it and still nothing.

[@xEMRDx]

I watch a lot of how to videos and often the hosts are irritating. This is not those videos your host does an awesome job.

[@garyconstant4234]

Great video. I’m having problems with a virago 535 as in the back carb cannot be made to run leaner so can air fuel jets get clogged up. Regards from England

[@stevieboy9394]

want to ask you that I have a 2000 gsxr 600 , I completely clean all 4 carbs and still only run with the choke on only. Also clean the fuel filter, fresh gas. Has no idea why. Do you think is the mixture screw, Maybe you can help me out.

[@mryjackie]

serious question then. if im just riding my bike and i start to slow down as if im getting off the high way, and my RPM's start going up to 3k & 5k what does this mean??? also if im going 35-40 and my throttle sound like its starting to kick out and my RPM's get lower and lower... what do i have to do to fix this!?

[@sizedsaturn7277]

If my 4 wheeler is running bad at low rpm and then higher rpms it is doing better and won’t idle could that be a jet

[@godschosenephraim8922]

My pilot jet was clog and destroy. I got a 45. Hope it fits and it doesn't do all the crap it was with h you showed us. I'm praying! Lol ty for the video

[@TheGeohart]

should one service the carb when, just when it starts malfunctioning, or a set period?

[@fwh79FOXR6]

George Hart: You should have a set maintenance schedule. Spring tune up at the least.

[@zainiqbal7721]

I want to put pod air filter on my yamaha ybr 125 Does this really makes power up? And what about fuel mixture and about carbuerator tunning?

[@SHADOW-bg4mm]

I already cleaned my carb thoroughly, I took extra time with it. I still have an issue with it, if I slow down the wheel, the engine slows down, and then dies. Valves are good everything is good, not sure if the clutch is sticking? I'll be replacing it in a couple of days. Going back to the carb? Maybe there's one hole the blow gun cannot blow out? I think I'll just get a extra new carb just in case, they are cheap in price. Forgot to mention the air screw doesn't do anything.