What should be done to carbs, and how often?

[jcw74801]

I have my 1996 Johnson 150 Oceanrunner (J150EXEDB) disassembled to install a new rebuilt powerhead. In the 5 years that I have owned the motor the carbs have not been off the engine. Never had any fueling issues (new powerhead is because old block was cracked). The carbs look pretty simple. Should I just disassemble, clean, and inspect or should they all get new kits after a certain number of years or hours? The kits aren't cheap (since there's 6 of them) and I don't want to buy them if not necessary. Thanks...

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: What should be done to carbs, and how often?

Never had any fueling issues ...

I wouldn't touch them. I figure that you have as much of a chance of contaminating a clean carb, when you are re-building them, as you are to remove a contamination that might cause you a problem in the future.

Keep your fuel filters clean and use fresh gas and you might never need to clean them. That is my opinion, anyways.

 

[boobie]

Re: What should be done to carbs, and how often?

If it's been 5 yrs since the carbs were off, I'd rebuild them. Especially with a new p/h. You could have gum and varnish in them you don't know about.

 

[Fishing4Walleyes]

Re: What should be done to carbs, and how often?

I don't touch a carb that's not causing trouble. If you are using the motor regularly and have fuel filter(s) you shouldn't have any trouble. Carb problems arise when they are left to sit without draining them long enough for the gas to dry out. This leave a varnish in the carb that requires disasembly and cleaning.