How to Remove Rust From Motorcycle Carburetor Jets
Motorcycle carburetor jets are tubes with a small orifice drilled through them. These orifices deliver precisely metered fuel to the carburetor. The jets are brass and do not rust, but rust in the fuel system will clog them. If rust and varnish clog up the tiny orifices in the jets, the jets won't deliver the proper amount of fuel. The jets must be removed to properly clean them.
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Things You'll Need
- Safety goggles
- Catch pan
- Mechanic's tools
- Carburetor cleaner
- Compressed air gun (blow nozzle)
- Clean shop rags
- New bowl gasket
- New drain plug gasket
Instructions
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1
Put on the safety goggles.
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2
Turn the fuel petcock to the "Off" or "No Fuel" position. Place the catch pan under the carburetor then loosen the carburetor bowl drain plug. Drain all of the fuel out of the carburetor. Remove and discard the drain plug gasket.
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3
Remove the float bowl screws then pull the bowl from the carburetor. Remove and discard the float bowl gasket.
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4
Locate the jets on the bottom of the jet towers. Remove the idle, main and intermediate (if applicable) jets from their towers with a large, flat screwdriver.
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5
Spray carburetor cleaner through the jets in the direction opposite the fuel flow direction. Blow compressed air through the jets in the same direction as the cleaner to dislodge rust and any debris.
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6
Inspect the orifice. Pick the orifices out with a thin wire such as a bristle from a wire brush or with a mechanic's pick if the debris resists removal after performing Step 5. Carefully push the debris out and be careful not to damage the relatively soft brass of the jets.
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7
Reinstall the jets into their towers and tighten them snugly.
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8
Install the new float bowl gasket into the recess in the top of the bowl and reinstall the bowl on the carburetor.
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9
Install the new drain plug gasket onto the drain plug and install the drain plug. Tighten firmly enough to slightly crush the drain plug gasket.
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10
Turn the fuel petcock on to allow the carburetor bowl to fill with fluid. Check for leaks.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be very careful when picking out the jets. The brass may be very easily deformed, which will degrade the performance of the jets.
Consider the source of the rust. At the very least, the fuel filter is damaged or missing altogether. The motorcycle may have an in-tank filter mounted as part of the petcock or an in-line filter. Inspect the filter and replace if it is damaged. Inspect the fuel tank for signs of rust. Rusty fuel tanks are very dangerous and should be replaced immediately. Do not try to repair or drive with a rusty fuel tank. The tank may begin to leak at any time, possibly spraying the rider with fuel or dripping down to the hot engine and exhaust and causing a fire.
