Dirty Carb Fix One Dealer Got -Others Could Not Fix

If your motorcycle is experiencing carburetor issues, there are several common symptoms to look out for:

Running Lean: A lean-running motorcycle has too much air and not enough fuel in the air/fuel mixture. Signs include sluggish performance, excessively hot exhaust pipes (which may turn blue), and faster-than-normal spark plug wear. Clogged jets inside the carburetor are often the cause. Adjusting the idle screw can help1.

Running Rich: The opposite of running lean, a rich-running motorcycle has too much fuel in the mixture. You’ll notice a strong fuel smell, potential fuel leaks, and overall poor performance. Fixing this involves adjusting the air/fuel screw, addressing stuck needles, floats, or butterfly valves1.

Backfiring: Unintentional backfiring can occur due to either too much or too little fuel being delivered by the carburetor. This isn’t normal behavior for a motorcycle. Investigate the fuel delivery to resolve this issue1.

If your motorcycle won’t start, a dirty carburetor could be the culprit. Consider cleaning it without removing it by following these steps:

Remove the bowls at the bottom of the carburetor.

Spray carburetor cleaner inside, wait a few minutes, then spray again for thorough coverage. Replace the bowls and start the motorcycle to assess its performance2. Remember that regular maintenance and cleaning can help keep your motorcycle’s carburetor in good shape!