How To Clean A Motorcycle Carburetor | MC GARAGE

Got an old bike that’s not running right? The carburetor may very well need a cleaning. In this video from the MC Garage, Senior Road Test Editor Ari Henning takes you through the process of cleaning a carburetor. It’s not terribly complicated and it doesn’t take any specialized tools, but it does take attention to detail! So put on your safety glasses and rubber gloves and get to it.
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Got an old bike that’s not running right? The carburetor may very well need a cleaning. The carb is tasked with supplying the engine with fuel and air in a very precise ratio, and to do that it relies on numerous small passageways and orifices. Sometimes though, those little holes get clogged, and when they do your bike may have a hard time starting or may not want to idle. When that happens, it’s time to give the carburetor a good cleaning.
In this video from the MC Garage, Senior Road Test Editor Ari Henning takes you through the motorcycle carb cleaning process. It's not terribly complicated and it doesn't take any specialized tools, but it does take attention to detail! So put on your safety glasses and rubber gloves and get to it.
And while you've got your bike in the garage, make sure you lube your chain (click here for How To Lube Your Chain), and take a few minutes to give your bike a thorough safety check (see Safety Check here). And why not lube your control cables, too? We show you how to do it all in our MC Garage video section.
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[@dtmccurdy11]

Biggest rookie mistake I ever made and learned from was when cleaning carbs, keep carb cleaner away from anything rubber. It swells gaskets and messes with everything. I didn't know this on my first carb job and couldn't figure out why the thing leaked like crazy and flooded the engine until I finally figured it out. Please learn from me

[@Durangedkitten]

Thanks for the advice.

[@MrKidkiller159]

yamaha carb cleaner won't harm the delicate parts.

[@jrattackk]

yeah idk why the guy in vid sprayed it directly onto the gasket lol that's when i turned the video off lol

[@julietwarman2389]

very true i mean look what happens to a balloon when you spray it on it lol ty for the reminder :)

[@dantae666]

noted

[@Zeggawong]

Couple extra things. Don't let carb cleaner touch plastic or rubber seals. Don't use anything that might scratch the float valve and seat when cleaning, replace the o-ring on the float valve seat if you pull the carb apart.

[@NetscapeGuy]

+Jenkins Bradbury I was about to say, I thought the cleaner would be bad for the seals

[@justryan5697]

No wonder my float bowl is leaking since I pulled my carb apart...thanks.

[@Kornatzz]

Ryan Gunsauls same the thing literally shrunk

[@38Fanda]

crap i left my gaskets on

[@steveoglesby4120]

That is probably good advice in general, but I've done many carb cleans and sprayed carb cleaner on a shop rag, cleaning the 0-ring by pulling it through the solvent and cloth. Never a problem. Gasoline is far more caustic than carb cleaner. Some of these rubber components live in gasoline. Letting rubber soak in carb cleaner or any caustic solvent is best avoided.

[@AlexanderSeling]

Today I learned that I will be having my mechanic do this for me.

[@RSx94]

thats just money of the window.

[@ScorpioNy6]

Lmaoo..same here

[@jpalmiotti]

Hahaha

[@oekfoh8684]

same. such a ceebs I'm happy to get dirty while changing the oil in my car but cbf pulling all this crap apart

[@bigstormy8622]

Bruh first time I did it took like 20 mins and $10... And the bike ran better than before, don't waste your money

[@dodaexploda]

Informative, quick and to the point. No unnecessary information about what you had for dinner or stalling. Thank you.

[@ReignitedAuto]

Just want to say that as a mechanic myself, this was a really well put together video! All the pertinent info was there, and it was very clearly laid out. Great job Ari!

[@grosbeakmc]

Thanks for the tip. The inner workings of a carburetor have seemed like a dark art to me for a long time. You have shed light.

[@Zac-w3r]

Now we have to find the video on how to put it back together again

[@Kcducttaper1]

On my Nighthawk 650 (4 carbs), I often run a half bottle of fuel cleaner (I prefer SeaFoam) through the bike once during the summer and once more when I put it away for the winter. I make sure I run it a little bit to get the cleaner actually down in the carbs before parking it and it starts right up in the spring. Similarly, when I buy something with gummed carbs, if it can at least run on its own, just dumping in a bottle of cleaner along with a fresh tank of new gas will often clean out the carbs really nicely. I try to avoid tearing into carbs, but sometimes you are stuck having to take it all apart to clean it out manually and this vid is a pretty good guide for that.

[@SuEnRoD]

Keep this trick I devised years ago for the future when you do carbutator work.. Try this... Heat the plastic tube from the carb cleaner spray with a lighter (about 1/4-1/2 inch from the end. Then pull on each end of the tube to stretch it. This makes the outer/inner tube diameter smaller and more of a pin point. When the melted plastic solidifies, use small wire clippers or nail clippers to snip the tube at the smallest diameter that still provides flow when spraying. The cleaner comes out like a pin point pressure washer and the shrunken plastic tube end fits inside whatever port your spaying thru. You can also do the same to create 90 degree angles in the plastic tube to spray sideways inside long venturi tubes. I used to make/keep custom tubes around for these situations. Hope this makes sense. BTW.... Great videos.

[@llewellyncooper6276]

Thank you for making this simple enough for a beginner! I feel much more confident knowing what the entire process looks like from beginning to end!

[@RioLajasWolF]

Straight to the point and simple. Camera shots are great. Really instructional. Keep up the great work!!! MC Garage Rocks!

[@mortensteenjensen3672]

It would be cool if you made a video about "how to synchronize carburetors". Keep up the great work!

[@theodoremarakas9899]

Thank you for not killing us with horrible music. Thank you for making the video short and sweet

[@Heyalth]

A few things... It's worth mentioning that if you don't plan on replacing the bowl gasket, DONT pull it out of the groove because they shrink and you'll have a rough time getting it back in and that will likely make it leak. There's also a little button on top of the float needle, make sure its not stuck, if it's stuck then replace it. If the hole the float needle goes in is all scarred up you can buff it out with swabs or just buy a new carb body if it's too far gone to fix.

[@ParadiseBiker]

Helped soo much, Cleaned my carb for the first time and some of the comments helped to advise me not to let the cleaner touch my rubber parts.

[@justashibainu]

I just want to say thank you so much for this tutorial. The dirt bike I got from Craigslist was running like shit, I cleaned the carbs exactly like you showed and now it's running beautifully.

[@tamilselvan3158]

With what cleaning liquid the carb is cleaned.

[@jimshelton1437]

Thank you for this clear and simple video without Excessive talking about their personal life, extended music ect...

[@jacobfire]

Legit have owned my bike for 1 day and knew nothing about bikes and this brief video helped me get it running 👍🏻

[@Winterstick549]

As a UJM affecionanado I really appreciated this video. This and the fork building videos.

[@cisium1184]

I'd just like to point out that the words "goo," "crust," and "orifices" were all used in this video.

[@theodoremarakas9899]

Cisium You’re a twisted individual, lol I love it !!!!

[@Mr-5.0]

I think this is one of the most in-depth videos. Nice.

[@lexialexander6113]

You are my Saviour im currently trying to get my old bike to run again it died a bit over a year ago and i was too scared to try myself because i had no idea what to do or where to even start hopefuly this will be the final step in my 2 month Journey of getting my bike to run again

[@HarpreetSingh1991]

It is very amazing to know so many screws and little things are so important keeping a machine running .

[@upsidedowndog1256]

In my experience, the best carb cleaner is a good degreaser (B52, purple power, etc.). They will even clear clogged jets with a soaking. Just rinse in hot water and perform the rest just as you did. They don't seem to harm rubber parts, also

[@hommebizzare]

I love those videos. I've cleaned a diagphram carb before, but i thought the jets were adjustable, so I was too scared to screw them off - so i just cleaned them as well as i could with them in

[@CharlesGauthier]

Hey Ari, great video. Really like the way you broke down the process. One big step is balancing the carbs on a multi carb machine.

[@alanscott6241]

Well done my friend. Stay safe & keep the shiney side up!👍😎🇺🇸

[@raccoons392]

Great video, explains exactly why my 40 year old XS1100 barn find doesn't idle. Now to fix it. Thanks Norm (Toronto)

[@Sn0wWh0rE]

Thanks for the tip on Ethanol and fuel stabilizer! First time I heard that.

[@Ribs13]

great video. I just got a CM400C, in great shape, hasn't run in a decade...thanks for the lesson bro.

[@Zinober]

ive had a problem with my bike 2 months now and this helped alot

[@bradleyrinzel5575]

Thanks for this easy to follow video. I had a fixed screw and would not have known if you had not mentioned it.

[@replicanraghav]

Yeah, I have learned so much from you. Thanks. Saves my time for going to the service station.

[@kamahoo451]

....Well damn! Here i am thinking you needed a degree in rocket science or something to clean bike carbs! Just got a 95 ZX11 and about to clean the carbs. Bike just sat for several years and needs some love. Thanks for the post!

[@cosmosemancipated8528]

Well done!

[@prestonperez9610]

Did you get her started? I love hearing about old bikes sitting for years getting a good carb clean and starting right up

[@kamahoo451]

Ok; bike had been sitting on the side of owner's house for sometime with a broke fuel tank cover. Got it to my garage and attempted to start and after sitti n g for some years, it fired up. Not getting power to fuel pump so used battery charger to power. Started but couldn't give any throttle. Began draining fuel tank and wondered why after sitting so long the fuel was so clear,,,,,,wasn't fuel, water! A lot of goop and rust followed! Cleaned carbs and tank and replaced all seals. In process of troubleshooting power to pump issue along with other work that needs to be done on it. Hoping to have it going by Summer. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@cesartapia610]

@@kamahoo451 Any luck with the bike? Did you end up fixing it?

[@kamahoo451]

Haven't had a chance to put any more time into it, to many "irons in the fire!" Did reinstall carbs. Bike started and sounds really strong but even after reaching running temp it will not run without choke being fully open. Not sure but I'm being told it is a jet issue. Thinking of having them properly rebuilt by someone who actually knows what they are doing!

[@debbieranido9953]

it helps me a lot. thank you sir for making this video.

[@billivey3426]

Thank you. I am gonna subscribe to Motorcycleist again. I miss those helpful tips.

[@pallade89]

Thank you! you give an answer to all the questions I've always wanted to ask someone about my motorcycle!

[@pennywisdom2099]

This video couldn't have come at a better time, I have a carb rebuild kit coming for my wife's 06 Shadow 750. Previous owner had it sitting a lot (only 3k miles in 7 years) and while it's basically pristine elsewhere, it gets very close to stalling at 1/4 throttle. I'll replace the o-rings and clean out those carb jets as well as possibly replace that float needle.

[@pennywisdom2099]

+Ari Henning Good advice, I found a write-up on how the factory adjustment for the mixture screw may not be the best, I think the popping on decel happens sometimes too so I'll probably tweak that a bit once I get the carb rebuilt. Thanks!

[@samawad2233]

very helpful and I like how you summarize the steps at the end of the video. Thank you

[@rohanadhikari3219]

Never stop posting such wonderful tips to clean or service bike parts...great job arihenin for u get to learn so much things

[@Adikxx]

This is absolutely the best bike service channel on youtube !!! You guys are awsome!!!

[@akbarhussain1767]

Hi MC Garage,thank you so much for all them tips ,for cleaning out the carburetor,thank you friend & happy riding 😊😊😊

[@Kyre5049]

Fuel stabilizer is a very great recommendation. Thanks

[@DynamoTightstar]

Thanks mate. You made it look super simple. Going to tackle it tomorrow as bike it crapping out with any mid to high revs and only runs at any speed with the choke fully out.

[@osamabentrappin4102]

honestly the best bike tutorial videos out there i stg

[@kayla_m_clark]

Cleaned my first motorcycle carburetor yesterday! It was on a 1983 GR 750 Suzuki Tempter.

[@matthewetmoi8436]

I had that bike, but mine was only a 650.

[@patrickobrien2068]

Excellent, concise instructions. Thank you!

[@veritasvincet2715]

You made this look simple . Thank you

[@NaturalZBey]

Thousand Times better than the last video i liked at! Thanks!

[@ewgenijwolkow9770]

thx for the clear explanation. found the clogged valve and now my honda cm125 runs again :)

[@hellsing2137]

thank you you just helped me get my scooter going

[@PepinoMichoacan]

Thanks Ari, this came in handy ! Would you recommend the use of ultrasound cleaning ?

[@giff74]

I learned something.... I really prefer my FI bike and don't miss having a carb! LOL!!!!

[@hollywood84660]

Lmao

[@RoutinePlumbingLLC]

Amen

[@qdpi2528]

+giff74 Arguably though, if something goes wrong with your fuel injector, you're probably going to have to take it to a shop.

[@Yomuju]

Fuel injectors rarely go bad.

[@DemonDevistation]

I sincerely doubt it. You buy your injectors and swap them out. It's usually a couple screws and and a connector.

[@asusindia6902]

i have been looking for a channel like this for ages

[@johnchapman5819]

thank you for the straightforward instructions

[@mikemike7397]

Thanks man thinking about buying a motorcycle and wanted to know how to do simple things like this I know how to work on cars so with your instructions it’s definitely easier for me to take off thank you definitely got a sub from me

[@blackfire1642]

This video was so helpful​ and easy to understand, thanks!

[@WhiteGravey]

i dont have a carb bike or plan on ever getting one but your videos are great!

[@FadainTariq]

Hey Ari, please do a video on different types of valves on a motorcycle engine and how to adjust them.

[@wallymurray620]

I'm with Fadain on this one.

[@JETZcorp]

Get a two-stroke, no valves. XD

[@NetscapeGuy]

+Fadain Tariq Shim under bucket is most common. And I think that video would be much longer and involved

[@CycleCruza]

Watching this makes me want to stick with FI. lol

[@Aerogrow]

heh; keep in mind that you can take a bike that has been sitting for 30 years; clean carb and gas tank for about 10 bucks; new plug; change oil, adjust points and she'll typically fire up. Besides the awful smell of solidified gas; it works great. Try that on FI system.

[@dantae666]

its not that hard to do. and way less to sort than fuel injection if something goes wrong without the need for complicated computer controlled tools

[@_baller]

Ever heard of a mechanic

[@youvegotmoobs]

@@_baller oh yeah those guys who tell you you need 300 things doing that will cost you x ammount when you could fix it yourself for a fraction of the price if you werent such a lazy git? yeah i know those guys.

[@thomaswarren2699]

@@youvegotmoobs Hahaha well said

[@TheFridge]

I use tip cleaners from the welding supply store. They are stiff and come in different sizes, as well as being abrasive. You do need to be very careful with them, since they will chew out aluminium and brass - but when you have a chunk of crud that wont move, they are great! They are also handy when you need to ream a jet out a little ;)

[@Madiateur]

Thanks much, Going to follow these steps to clean both carbs for my ex250

[@BigSteeno]

Brilliant video. Short and to the point. Cheers

[@cobyferguson7903]

I'm a bit late to the party but great video with clear instructions and camera shots 👍

[@modtyrant1784]

Dude holy crap, thanks for making this.

[@max1chase166]

Great video Very detailed on the specific and you did not stray off topic, Again very well Done.

[@donniewyland9984]

Thanks so much this helped me clean my carb

[@alanwilliams3677]

If modern fuels deteriorate so quickly, it begs the question:why isn't stabiliser added at the refinery?

[@buckwheat7424]

the sob's need a class action lawsuit from all the bikers and lawn care products and manufactures etc, if they weren't all in cohorts to make all products with a major short shelf or use life before requiring a new part or product of service repair. that corn crap surely has been a total scam. i want compensation way before internal combustion engines are completely banned as we watch our existence fade away regardless of the banning. all i know it's caused undue bullshit and you know it should of been a requirement at the refineries, except they're in one stupid thing, to get as much money as possible that's not going t make any difference at all when our cycle of life hits the end. i don't care if you move to mars, when life here on earth expires because of a cycle of change, the life spread out in the solar system is going to fizzle out near the same time. it's not going to matter. but what does matter is running something you bought or built without a poisonous substance that makes it not run.

[@ted2ar]

Thank you very much for the tutorial now i know how to do this

[@BlockBoyWez]

Thanks man i feel like im growing with each and every video🤘💎💎💎💎💎

[@wattanparrast]

Thanks for the tips bro. Keep up the good work

[@JoeGo101]

great info as always :D thanks :)

[@lukemarvenko2845]

hey I watch ur vids lol

[@JoeGo101]

+Luke Marvenko awesome bro I greatly appreciate the support 😊😃😎👍

[@Paddymac-ln7zs]

oh hey lol

[@Dusty101uk]

JoeGo101 lol 😂 I just saw your little pic and thought hay that's joe101 great vids mate love from England

[@tmahesh8720]

O

[@WillemWesterveld]

Nice vid! This is what is up next for our cb400n.

[@RastaRider]

Thanks! Gonna try this on my CR125 that is dumping gas out the bottom of the carb ugh

[@hanschitzlinger3676]

Good video. Good info in comment section as well. I hope it’s good enough, wish me and my tiller luck

[@rhinely850]

For really clogged or vintage brass jets, try soaking overnight in Brasso brass polish. You will be surprised how clean the outside and the inside of the passageways get!

[@chrisligrano2985]

Dude awesome vid. Thank you😋

[@ianrobinson7740]

Appreciate it. Been trying to revive an 1983 GS550. I had everything looking good and then suddenly, the thing won't idle. Dies immediately if I try to give it throttle. I presume the pilot jet is clogged so stripping down the carb and getting to work.

[@louisianapepper1018]

yall the best to watch!!

[@DimitriBoyarski]

Honda (possible other J bikes) Owners: Might need a set of Japanese Industrial Standard screw drivers or run the risk of stripping JIS screw tops with a standard Philips.

[@theripper121]

Absolutely great tip. Those screws on especially older carbs love to strip out with standard screw drivers. JIS screwdrivers get a much better grip on those screw heads.

[@bahenbihen]

Help! I have a JDM carb, where do I get these screwdrivers?

[@JoffreyBienvenue]

yup - happened to me once (only once! ;-) )

[@JoffreyBienvenue]

Any hardware stores I believe - or auto parts shop - In Canada it's available at Canadian Tire.

[@mcnuttslap]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@ryanferrer4339]

How about adding sea foam in your tank for preventive maintenance? Thoughts?

[@888jackflash]

He missed one thing, (on streetbike carbs): the tiny holes in the Venturi (carb throat). These are very small and you have to look for them (there may be three to five)... ESPECIALLY on older Kawasaki streetbikes. Gotta make sure those are clean

[@kreizmann2943]

good video but also using a fuel filter helps a looot

[@krpradi]

Good lesson learned today. Can you show how to remove the carb first? I have a Royal Enfield 350, it would come in handy.

[@Chromosome1919]

awesome vid man!

[@infinitycl]

Can you do one on changing oil?

[@InvictvsNox]

+INFINITYCL I'm doing one soon! :)

[@InvictvsNox]

***** Loving these short series vids, man. Hoping to see you and Zack do more stuff in the near future too!

[@edisonfrisbee6345]

Excellent video!

[@MrPhilsfilms]

thanks a good and easy video to follow..will be on my carb like a rash now...:)

[@TiDucati]

Great video, I will add one note, you should use a JIS type S screwdriver (available on Amazon) and not a Phillips on Asian bikes. If you have ever had an older used bike and see that the phillips heads are in bad condition it is usually from using the wrong size/type of screw driver.

[@youvegotmoobs]

will other asian bikes use the jis type too? i just bought a kymco for my first bike and was sat for a while before i bought it so gonna clean the carb.

[@AyYildiz076]

Thanks. My bike doesnt react that good to gas or even stops when im shifting gears and give throttle. Thinc i gotta clean the carburetor..

[@bbieger2]

Excellent video!! Thank you

[@T0BBi94]

How did I miss this! Great video as usual, makes everything look so easy, most carb cleaner videos are 3x times long and still dont do as great of a job explaining the process :)

[@Imperadorio]

Yol, I have a Suzuki DRZ 400 with 20.000km on it. My bike starts easily in winter time (5ºc), until now I haven't no issue about it. Should I take a look at my carb and open it? Also, my jets were tuned up by the last owner. Thanks

[@D3nn1s]

Dang why did i wait so long to research this if its that easy

[@sterlynali6679]

Great video mate

[@franciscoj.manzano2129]

Amazing videos sir!!!

[@corkyshrigley]

Great video! Thanks!

[@yudadwiparamarta7619]

the carb looks familiar to me. is it came from a 100cc honda engine? can you do a video on how to service or clean the throttle body and fuel injector on honda CB or CBR series?

[@JackItUp]

I will be posting one soon

[@MrKidkiller159]

that's one method, but not a nasty carb clean so it helps the lightly dirty carbs.

[@Taylorwhitten87]

Really wish u showed how to put the carb back together step by step. Can u make a video for a 95 fzr 1000?