How To Clean A Dirty Carburetor.

Introduction

Cleaning a carburetor is essential for maintaining the performance of small engines like those found in lawn mowers, ATVs, and motorcycles. This tutorial will guide you through the steps to effectively clean a dirty carburetor, ensuring your engine runs smoothly. Even if you’re new to this kind of maintenance, the relatively low cost of replacement parts makes it a great place to start learning.

Step 1: Understand the Carburetor Basics

• Familiarize yourself with the components of a carburetor:

  • Fuel Bowl: Holds fuel from the tank.
  • Float and Needle: Regulates fuel flow into the bowl.
  • Venturi Effect: Airflow through the carburetor creates a vacuum that pulls fuel into the engine.
  • Jet: Controls the amount of fuel that enters the airflow.

• Recognize common issues:

  • The jet and needle can clog with gunk and varnish, especially if the engine has been sitting with old fuel.

Step 2: Remove the Carburetor

• If space allows, you can clean the carburetor in place. Otherwise, remove it for better access:
  • Use a screwdriver to detach the carburetor from the engine.
  • Carefully note the position of all components to facilitate reassembly.

Step 3: Disassemble the Carburetor

• To clean it effectively:
  • Remove the fuel bowl by unscrewing the four Phillips screws.
  • Take out the float and needle assembly by sliding out the pin.
  • Extract the jet using a flat-blade screwdriver.

Step 4: Clean the Parts

• Use carburetor cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner to clean the components:
  • Spray carburetor cleaner on the jet, needle, and the inside of the fuel bowl.
  • For ultrasonic cleaning, fill the cleaner with a solvent mixed with water and submerge the parts.
  • Make sure to clean all gunk and varnish from the surfaces.

Step 5: Inspect and Replace Parts if Necessary

• After cleaning, inspect all components:
  • Look for damage or excessive wear on the needle, jet, and gaskets.
  • If any parts are broken or severely worn, consider replacing them. A rebuild kit may cost around $25, while a new carburetor could be about $32.

Step 6: Reassemble the Carburetor

• Carefully reassemble the carburetor:
  • Reinsert the jet and secure it with the screwdriver.
  • Attach the float and needle, ensuring the needle moves freely.
  • Reattach the fuel bowl and tighten the screws securely.

Step 7: Reinstall the Carburetor

• Once reassembled, reinstall the carburetor onto the engine:
  • Follow the notes you took during disassembly to ensure all components are in the correct position.
  • Reconnect any fuel lines and throttle cables.

Conclusion

Cleaning a carburetor can significantly improve the performance of small engines. By understanding how the carburetor works and following these steps, you can maintain your engine and avoid costly repairs. If you encounter persistent issues or damage during the process, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Happy repairing!