Guba

I don't see why you couldn't intall the inline filter now.

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Some days beer tastes good...other days beer tastes better!

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

JunkyardDog

Do not use Berryman, Gumout, or any other automotive carb cleaner in motorcycle carbs, unless you have them apart, and all the plastic and rubber parts removed. These are keytone based cleaners, and will dissolve rubber and plastic parts. Stick with Seafoam for putting in gas, or directly in carburetors.

An inline fuel filter is a good idea, but if you have plenty of gas getting to the carb, that is not the problem. If you still have the original tool kit, there is a tool in there for adjusting the shock preload. But these tools will also scratch your shocks unless you wrap them up good with electrical tape. You can buy the proper tool at a motorcycle accessory store for not to much. Jerry.

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GGrider

Hello again! Well, ran the Seafoam and it's much better but still have stalls when coming to a stop. Fiddled with the idle and got it too high, then too low, can't seem to find the right spot. Also now hear knocking and still have a bit of stumble in low gears (2-3-4). Another dose of SeaFoam and then pull the carb or just pull the carb?????
Happy Easter All!

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flitecontrol

If you want to possibly avoid a carb pull and cleaning, you can try this. Turn the petcock to OFF, pull the fuel line off the petcock, locate the carb drain screw and drain the carb contents into a clean container (so you can see if any impurities come out). If there are no impurities, the gas can be poured back in the tank. Replace the drain screw, and using a syringe (get them used and free from my vet) or very small funnel, fill the carb with straight Sea Foam. Let it sit at least 24 hours and drain the Sea Foam into a clean container. If there are impurities, you can filter the Sea Foam through a coffe filter and reuse it. Ditto on the gas above. Reconnect everything and see how she runs. Sea Foam will not dissolve rust or other non-soluble material, so you may still be looking at a carb pull. As Guba recommended, I would put that inline filter on ASAP.

Advance Auto currently has Sea Foam on sale for $6.99 a can.

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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

JunkyardDog

What flitecontrol said is a good idea for periodic maintenance, it's what I do. While there is no harm in trying it, I would still recommend removing, disassembling, and thoroughly cleaning the carb. It's the only way you are going to get the entire carb spotlessly clean inside. My '04 ran fine when I bought it about 8 months ago, but I removed and cleaned the carb anyway. It was filthy inside, I don't understand how it ran so well like that. Once the carb is spotless, You can eliminate it as a problem, and maintain it as flitecontrol said. I do my carbs that way about every 3 months. If you have rust in your tank, you DEFINITELY need a filter. Rust will plug up a carb pronto. Just make sure when you install the filter that you don't have any kinks in your fuel line. Depending on the filter, you may have to buy a longer fuel line, and loop it around to get a straight length of line long enough to install the filter. Just make sure there are no sharp bends in it. Jerry.

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mavreix

Im about to tackle the carbs myself Im having the same issue... Just got the clutch down and now Im back on the ropes =/

Oh well. You guys think its okay to reuse the ole gasket? My clutch gasket was stuck to the engine but I was actually able to reuse it just fine when I took that apart(went back and replaced it anyway a week later from paranoia lol). And for soaking the carb is kerosene or acetone ok?

About seafoam- everyone has there own opinion on this stuff and Ive heard a million things about it with nothing conclusive. Anyone have long term experience using it frequently in motorcycles that could post results?

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flitecontrol

As relatively cheap as gaskets are to buy or make, I like to go with new ones, especially if they've been on a long time. But many folks have reused the old gasket if it's in good shape. Personal choice.

Go to an auto parts store and get carb cleaning solution that is made to soak carbs in. I would not use either product you mentioned for reasons I won't go into here. It comes in a can with a strainer in it. Disassemble the carbs, do not put any rubber or plastic parts in the cleaning solution, and give the carbs a good soak. Blow all orifices out with compressed air (wear eye protection), and reassemble.

I've used Sea Foam for a while and have had no carb issues since doing so. Also use it in my truck and tractor to keep the injectors clean. Do an internet search for Sea Foam videos and you will find folks using it in bikes, cars, trucks, etc.

__________________
I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

Fridgitator

I toss some in the tank every few fills to remove any moisture that may accumulate, and as a general preventative measure. Even with no major problems, I notice that the bike seems to run better with about an ounce in a full tank. I recently marinated my carb in it for a day because the engine was less than responsive, and seemed to be missing during warm-up. The difference was amazing. It runs like new again, and my gas mileage has improved, too.

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Guba

You can also eliminate the moisture by putting the petcock on reserve. Just like in an airplane I used to fly, the engine sputters a little and comes back to life. But I also notice my idle isn't what it used to be, maybe I should marinate mine.

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Some days beer tastes good...other days beer tastes better!

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

Fridgitator

I sometimes leave the petcock on reserve when I gas up to draw from the lower position while any gunk in the tank may be settling. Obviously not when I'm going to run a full tank in one ride. I'm also due for a new gas filter. I was graphically reminded today when I pulled the head off my garden tiller what happens when an engine is neglected.

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