Gumout for the carbs?

[Bluesman]

Greetings ~

So I have had my bike for 3 years, no work done to the carbs in that time. Bike starts, runs and idles fine, but I know those carbs must be filthy.

I have plugs to change soon and while I have the tank off I was thinking of popping off the intake tubes and spraying the carbs...Is this a stupid idea?

Also, does anyone use the Gumout that goes in the gas tank to clean carbs? I would think one bottle would last 8 tanks...

Thoughts?

[SSearchVT]

Spraying cleaner through the carbs won't get to the dirt. Anything that made it past your filter is in the float bowls waiting to clog jets. If you don't have a problem yet pouring cleaner in the tank will keep you from having problems in the future. Read the directions and mix appropriatly. I like to put the cleaner in before a long ride (entire taks worth) so it isn't sitting too long.

If you notice problems you will have to take the carbs out and clean them right. I ussually do stuff like this at the end of the season, makes the winter pass quicker. Hope this helps. Good Luck...

[stoinkythepig]

Your carbs should have bowl drains. Use them. Catch the fuel in a clean container and look for crud. Keep fliilng them and draining them until no crud comes out. You can pour the gas into your lawn mower through a coffee filter so it's not wasted. If the bike runs fine, this process will be all that's ever necessary.

[Rye]

I wouldn't limit it to just opening the drains. I would take the whole setup apart and liberally spray everything. Take my word for it. Take everything apart and thoroughly clean them.

[stoinkythepig]

Originally posted by Rye
I wouldn't limit it to just opening the drains. I would take the whole setup apart and liberally spray everything. Take my word for it. Take everything apart and thoroughly clean them.

I dunno, why bother if it's running fine? My owner's manual does not schedule cleaning the carbs as a maintenance item.