How to Clean VTX 1300 Carburetors

A carburetor is a mechanical device that combines air and fuel in an internal combustion engine. The carburetor controls the flow of air into an engine; the speed of the air entering the engine determines the amount of air pressure in the engine. The air pressure impacts the amount of fuel being drawn into the jet stream and ultimately entering the engine. A carburetor in a Honda VTX 1300 motorcycle plays the important role of optimizing the efficiency of the motorcycle's engine and fuel consumption. From time to time, you should clean the VTX 1300 carburetor in order to ensure optimal performance.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• VTX 1300 carburetor air filter
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wire scrub brush
• 8-inch steel swivel screw
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Dry cloth
• 6-inch steel bolt

1. Remove the air filter from the top of the carburetor. If the filter is corroded, pry it loose with the flat head screwdriver. Scrub the area around the filter with the wire brush, and pop the new air filter into place.

2. Unscrew the choke valve using the Phillips-head screwdriver. Remove the old screw. Oil the choke valve in the area around the screw with the oil can, and re-fasten the choke valve to the inside of the carburetor using the new swivel screw. Tap the choke valve a few times to make sure that it rotates freely.

3. Open the fuel delivery compartment. Remove the metering rod using the adjustable wrench. Discard the old bolt that was used to attach the metering rod to the mechanical linkage.

4. Clean the metering rod thoroughly using the dry cloth to remove oil and other residue.

5. Oil the mechanical linkage that attaches to the top of the metering rod. Make sure that the mechanical linkage moves freely by tapping it a few times.

6. Re-attach the top of the metering rod to the mechanical linkage using the new 6-inch steel bolt and the adjustable wrench.

7. Unscrew the float valve using the adjustable wrench, and check the attachment area for corrosion. You may be able to clean the attachment area using the dry cloth, but if there is too much corrosion the float valve will need to be replaced.

8. Scrub the inside of the fuel nozzle with the wire brush to ensure that the nozzle's pathway to the air intake area is clear. Also, scrub the inside of the float chamber using the wire brush. Re-attach the float valve to the inside of the float chamber using the adjustable wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• You can order the air filter for the VTX 1300 carburetor from a motorcycle parts supplier such as Cycle-Parts.com. If the dry cloth does not remove the corrosion on the various pieces, you may want to spray the pieces with WD-40 or coat them in baking soda.
• Always wear appropriate clothing when working with motorcycles, particularly engine parts. Long pants, gloves, close-toed shoes, and eye protection equipment should be worn at all times.

References

• Cycle-Parts.com
• Motorcycle Parts Superstore

Resources

• VTX Owners Association