Carb work

[mattsz]

I've got a new o-ring set... it includes the rings for the pipes that connect the carbs together.  I wasn't planning on getting in that deep, as I mentioned earlier - just dismantle as much as possible without separating the bodies, then clean.  Do you guys think that's a false economy at this point?  I was told the bike was running great two years ago, but I really don't know.  If I'm going this far with the strip and clean, does it make sense to go the full monty?  Or is it wise to fix what I know is bad, then try it out?

Is there a specific resource which would show me specifically, on these carbs, what parts are what and where they go... the jets and float valve and such I know about, but what about the different passages?  I'm looking to dismantle the carbs enough to replace the rubber bits and clean everything as best I can, but without separating them, which means carb cleaning spray and compressed air.  And probably some degreaser for the exteriors...

Any thought on this?  Some tutorial or video?  Or do I just clean everything?

[Nurse Julie]

Personally I would not remove the back plate and split the carbs if I didn't think there was a problem that needed attention. I would pay more attention to the bits I can get to and make sure they are as clean as possible and fit new O rings etc. If you do need to remove carbs from the back plate and spit them, it is easy enough but it doesn't sound like it's necessary in your case.

[mattsz]

Thanks Julie!  That's kind of where my head is at anyway, in case you hadn't sorted that out... but all the easy-access rings need replacing, so I was on the fence about digging further.  I will definitely check the balance of the slides on the bench; the choke linkages are mis-adjusted and I imagine the slides could be, too...

[blackeagles]

I have both.  Interesting that the Honda service manual doesn't mention the needle grooves...

if you have the 'shop manual - honda cb350f-400f' (hwm002) by honda then its right at the back on page 95!

[blackeagles]

Personally I would not remove the back plate and split the carbs if I didn't think there was a problem that needed attention. I would pay more attention to the bits I can get to and make sure they are as clean as possible and fit new O rings etc. If you do need to remove carbs from the back plate and spit them, it is easy enough but it doesn't sound like it's necessary in your case.

easy maybe for some of you 'old timers' (not you julie of course ) but i was finding it difficult just getting the slides out - 'cos i'm not used to honda multis' - but i see there are complete repair kits jets and all on ebay for about £30ish or with the floats for about £45ish which, if mine is still running so very rich after syncing them i may/will have to carry out - 4th time taking them off, but without trying them first you can not tell if they will work ok or not..

[mattsz]

I have both.  Interesting that the Honda service manual doesn't mention the needle grooves...

if you have the 'shop manual - honda cb350f-400f' (hwm002) by honda then its right at the back on page 95!

Yes, you're right, of course - I did notice that.  I wasn't clear, what I meant was, that I thought it interesting that that manual doesn't mention the grooves at all in the work description...

[Bryanj]

Keyster kits are not good for brass bits which rarely wear but usually have all the gaskets and O rings

[Dave487]

I think you'll always get black sooty plugs if you're just checking them after idling as they don't hot enough to burn it off.

[Bryanj]

Also forgot to say 500's do run rich low down.

[mattsz]

Someone gave me a carb jet cleaning tool.  Bikemaster says it's a necessity.  Is this useful, or should I avoid it like the plague?

https://bikemaster.com/carburetor-jet-cleaning-tool.html

[Moorey]

Someone gave me a carb jet cleaning tool.  Bikemaster says it's a necessity.  Is this useful, or should I avoid it like the plague?

https://bikemaster.com/carburetor-jet-cleaning-tool.html

Don't use it on your jets they will open them up as they are files used for cleaning Oxy cutting nozzles.

[Nurse Julie]

I have a set of those in Pink, purchased from Mr Silver many years ago. I use them on everything.....except carbs and never ever to clean out jets

[Athame57]

I have a set of those in Pink, purchased from Mr Silver many years ago. I use them on everything.....except carbs and never ever to clean out jets

Oh great,....now I find out! I don't think it's done any harm, but never again!

[ka-ja]

Originally used to clean out gas welding torch heads, not for carbs.

[mattsz]

Huh.  So what, does Bikemaster sell new jets, too?  Handy business model!