carb clean vs rebuild

[ab1]

Title may be a bit misleading but basically what I am asking is if it is possible to clean a carb without a rebuild kit for reassembly. Most of the posts and top secret file address rebuilding and I know LTU won't get in all the jets, bowls, etc.

I did decarb already. Sprayed in spark plug holes, let sit, started and ran the can through the throats. She smoked but ran fine.

I don't think anything is wrong with the carbs but I am doing basic maintenance and would like to visually inspect one for gunk so I don't run into a problem later if it is running lean. I thought I had a problem but I think it is a leaking bulb and line that is now fixed. Before I dissasemble the carb, I would like to know if I can reuse all of the parts and seals or if this is not advisable. If so, I thought I would clean thouroughly and run a wire through the jets and just put it back together as it was. If not, I would wait until I have rebuild kits on hand but don't want to spend $20 x 6 if not needed. Motor is 93 Johnson 150 Fast Strike, GLETR.

 

[JB]

Re: carb clean vs rebuild

More carbs that don't need cleaning get cleaned than carbs that do need cleaning.

Cleaning them does no harm if it is a thorough job. A thorough job requires cleaning out tiny passages that cannot be accessed without removing Welch plugs and, in some cases, lead pellets.

That means an overhaul kit.

 

[ab1]

Re: carb clean vs rebuild

Thanks...I'm pretty sure mine don't need it so will most likely leave them alone. For future ref though:

In most basic terms, would you ever dissasemble a carb to clean or repair without having a rebuild/overhaul kit on hand to reassemble? Is it ok to re-use all of the old parts including seals/o rings if they look ok or am I asking for trouble?

 

[tootallofwa]

Re: carb clean vs rebuild

Thanks...I'm pretty sure mine don't need it so will most likely leave them alone. For future ref though:

In most basic terms, would you ever dissasemble a carb to clean or repair without having a rebuild/overhaul kit on hand to reassemble? Is it ok to re-use all of the old parts including seals/o rings if they look ok or am I asking for trouble?

Gaskets can break when stuck well to each surface. That would make them unusable. Packing washers should always be replaced, they are usually destroyed during removal. Not removing them would keep you from getting to the jets to clean.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: carb clean vs rebuild

If you are going to take the carbs apart and not clean them properly, why take them apart? Proper cleaning is just as JB said. You must spray carb cleaner through all the passages in the carb body to insure there is no dried fuel in the passage and that each carb passage flows equal to that same passage in the other carb. The reason to clean them is to remove dried fuel from the these passages which are not visible with the eye. Also remove all the jets for visual inspection to insure there is no debris stuck in them.

 

[tendollar]

Re: carb clean vs rebuild

My experiance with motorcycles and snowmobiles, always have new gaskets on hand. I agree 100% with JB

More carbs that don't need cleaning get cleaned than carbs that do need cleaning.

Tom

 

[surrender]

Re: carb clean vs rebuild

Plus you need kits to replace the freeze plugs if you remove the old ones. I got my kits on ebay for my 88 special for $15 each free shipping. just have to search.