Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums banner
Cancel

Cleaning vs rebuilding carbs?

711 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  DaveO430, 
N
imported post

First of all I need to say that you will not do it twice if cleaning will not be enough. You will remove/install them twice. Actual cleaning takes long.
Now about gaskets and O-rings. RTV can be used for air gaskets and (very carefully) air sealing O-rings.
Permatex sealant for some gas gaskets and O-rings. Also gasket can be cut from gasket sheet.
I am sure most O-rings can be bought from Auto stores.
What is the worst what can happen? You will remove install carbs again.
Save
Like
Status
Not open for further replies.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
DaveO430
imported post

I kind of agree, there are not many parts you actually need to do a carb cleaning. Never use RTV anywhere near a carburetor though. Most of the o-rings if they were not leaking can be reused And I have heard that jets wear out but I have yet to see it. Screws, if you have good tools you will not usually need new screws.
Save
Like
dan filipi
imported post

There is a specific type of silicone that holds up to gasoline.
I used it on a nicked leaking bowl gasket a few thousand miles ago, been fine.
I wouldnt make a habit of it and plan to replace the seal but until it starts leaking those carbs are staying right way they are, on the bike.
Save
Like
B
imported post

Kind of my feeling as well. Cut gaskets yourself, use permatex if needed........reuse orings or go to NAPA and dig through the oring box for matches.



The only thing that may need replacing is the float needle valve, floats, and sometimes jets if you can't get them cleaned (usually only a problem with pilot jets because they are so small).



Other than that....most of the crap in the kits is stuff you don't really need.
Save
Like
Bike...and Dennis
imported post

The parts I've actually needed over the years. Floats, float needles and slide/diaphragms, aren't even included in the kits.
Save
Like
dan filipi
imported post

I gotta disagree on reusing O rings, they harden and flatten out.

If you were replacing the water pump would you reuse those O rings and the O rings in the front cover if they werent leaking? I sure wouldnt because they mostly likely will leak when reassembled, but I do agree you dont have to buy a kit for most of the carb O rings, almost all of them are available from local shops and supply.
Save
Like
Bike...and Dennis
imported post

dan filipi wrote:
I gotta disagree on reusing O rings, they harden and flatten out.
Click to expand...
Good point Dan. If you remove an o-ring, you might as well replace it. They're cheap, even from Honda.
Save
Like
DaveO430
imported post

No I wouldn't chance it on something like a water pump and the round o-rings are easy to find so replace them, it's things like the bowl gaskets and plenum gaskets which have to be gotten from a dealer or in a kit with lots of unneeded parts I would reuse. Carbs are fairly easy to R&R so if it leaks no big deal.
Save
Like
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
Status
Not open for further replies.
Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums
A forum community dedicated to Honda Gold Wing owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Goldwing Technical Forum General Motorcycle Discussion Forum New Members Introduction Forum For Sale/Wanted Forum Events
Top