One of the important components of a motorbike is the carburetor. The carburetor functions to mix air and fuel before entering the combustion chamber. Over time, dirt and crust can build up in the carburetor and cause the motorbike to waste fuel and be difficult to start. The more severe risk of a dirty carburetor is that the motorbike dies or stalls. Therefore, it is important to keep the motorbike carburetor clean so that the motorbike's performance remains optimal.
Cleaning a motorbike carburetor at home
Cleaning a motorbike carburetor is usually done in a workshop. However, you can also do it yourself at home. This article will discuss easy ways to clean a motorbike at home. Of course, using simple, commonly used and easy-to-find tools.
Tools and materials
Before starting to clean the motorcycle carburetor, you need to make sure of the following tools and materials:
- Screwdriver (+) and (-)
- Wrench or ring spanner (according to the size of the carburetor bolt)
- Gasoline or carburetor cleaner
- Toothbrush or small brush
- Air compressor (if available)
- Dry cloth and microfiber cloth
- Small container for soaking components
Steps to clean the carburetor
- Remove the carburetor
- Make sure the motorcycle engine is off before dismantling the carburetor. Here are the steps to dismantle the carburetor.
- Open the tank or remove the fuel hose
- Use a screwdriver that fits to remove the carburetor fastening bolts
- Remove the carburetor and intake manifold and make sure there are no hoses left behind
Dismantle the carburetor
After the carburetor has been successfully removed, the next step is to dismantle the carburetor. Here are the steps to disassemble the carburetor:
- Unscrew the fastening bolts and remove the carburetor bowl
- Remove the float needle skep and main jet carburetor
- Make sure to store all components carefully in one place to avoid losing components.
Clean the carburetor components
Steps to clean dirty carburetor components:
- Soak small components such as the needle skep and main jet in clean gasoline or carburetor cleaner
- Use a toothbrush or small brush to clean the inside of the carburetor from dirt and crust
- Use an air compressor (if available) to blow the small holes so they don't get clogged
Check and make sure all holes are not clogged
Make sure all small holes in the carburetor components, especially the main jet and pilot jet, are clean and not clogged with dirt. If there is still dirt left, use a needle or fine wire to open the clogged hole.
Reassemble the carburetor
Reinstall the carburetor components such as the float and needle skep. Make sure the position is right and correct
Tighten the bolts and skep. Make sure they are not loose so there are no leaks. Before closing the carburetor cover, make sure the gasket is in good condition.
Reinstall the carburetor to the engine
- After the carburetor is assembled, reinstall it to the engine in the following manner:
- Reconnect the fuel hose
- Install the carburetor to the intake manifold and tighten it.
- Make sure there are no fuel leaks. Test by starting the engine
Motorcycle carburetor maintenance tips
In addition to cleaning the carburetor components, these methods can reduce the risk of motorcycle carburetors wearing out quickly.
- Use quality fuel. Avoid fuel that contains dirt or unclear mixtures.
- Check the carburetor regularly. At least clean the carburetor every 3000-5000km every 3 months.
- Use a carburetor cleaner regularly. Spray the carburetor cleaner without having to dismantle it if the motorbike starts to make a stuttering or noisy sound.
- Avoid idling the motorbike for too long. It turns out that rarely using a motorbike also affects the health of the carburetor. Motor fuel that is rarely used settles and clogs the channels.
Cleaning a motorbike carburetor at home is not difficult if done correctly. With simple tools and following the steps above, you can save on service costs and ensure that the motorbike remains in prime condition. Don't forget to always maintain the carburetor regularly so that the motorbike remains economical, powerful, and does not stall easily.
Hopefully this article is useful! Good luck and keep your motorbike carburetor clean! 🚀🏍️