Edit May 10:
I've corrected the issue but feel free to read the thread as I made some mistakes along the way and learned a few things. I removed and dismantled my carbs four times and only needed to do it once. While I became very efficient, each time increased the odds of mistakes or damage (i.e. tank) and luckily nothing happened.
First, this isn't difficult. You don't need specialized tools or knowledge, although a repair manual helps, and I would suggest finding an instructional video walk through - I'll link the ones I used below. You'll need a set of metric sockets (8,10,12,14mm), wrenches (wrenches in bike kit will work - needed for throttle cables and speedometer cable), Phillips screwdrivers, needle nose pliers, carb cleaner (not fuel injection cleaner), small container to capture fuel, lights, and small vice grips as the screws attaching the float bowls are often seized if they've been on for a while. I also replaced the screws attaching the float bowls and I believe they were metric 4mm x 12mm and 12 were about $2.
Second, I would suggest a carb rebuild kit. My primary issue was caused by attempting to re-use the o rings that were in the carbs and as they no longer sealed properly (probably caused by my unseating them) they allowed fuel to leak. Kits range from $12 to $75 - I purchased from a carb re-builder on eBay for $12 and it worked great - your experience may vary with non-OEM parts.
Third - take your time if you're in-experienced. I had a secondary issue caused by an error with re-assembly. And if you have questions - this site and Google will help you through.
Video walk-through I used (I only cleaned/dismantled what I could access from inside the bowl - he goes much further):
Original post:
I’ve ridden my new to me bike around 30 miles and it needed a good cleanse - had great midrange power but was very cold blooded and stumbled from idle. This is a 2008 I just purchased with 1,500 miles on it so carb varnish/gum/clogging seemed reasonable.
Watched several YouTube videos where the tank was pulled, float cover removed and inlets cleaned to solve the issue. When I started today I couldn’t get the Phillips screws loose and instead of trying chemical cleaning decided to pull the carbs. Once I got in I went ahead and disassembled and gave it a good cleaning.
When reassembled it fired right up and idled great. Took it for a short ride and immediately noticed lack of power past slight throttle (fuel starvation?) and when I got it back home it died and wouldn’t start. Noticed it would leak fuel and found it leaking from the vent tube so my assumption is something is wrong with a float.
Guess I got to pull it all apart again. I did take my time and did one carb at a time so I don’t know what went wrong?
-Eric
I've corrected the issue but feel free to read the thread as I made some mistakes along the way and learned a few things. I removed and dismantled my carbs four times and only needed to do it once. While I became very efficient, each time increased the odds of mistakes or damage (i.e. tank) and luckily nothing happened.
First, this isn't difficult. You don't need specialized tools or knowledge, although a repair manual helps, and I would suggest finding an instructional video walk through - I'll link the ones I used below. You'll need a set of metric sockets (8,10,12,14mm), wrenches (wrenches in bike kit will work - needed for throttle cables and speedometer cable), Phillips screwdrivers, needle nose pliers, carb cleaner (not fuel injection cleaner), small container to capture fuel, lights, and small vice grips as the screws attaching the float bowls are often seized if they've been on for a while. I also replaced the screws attaching the float bowls and I believe they were metric 4mm x 12mm and 12 were about $2.
Second, I would suggest a carb rebuild kit. My primary issue was caused by attempting to re-use the o rings that were in the carbs and as they no longer sealed properly (probably caused by my unseating them) they allowed fuel to leak. Kits range from $12 to $75 - I purchased from a carb re-builder on eBay for $12 and it worked great - your experience may vary with non-OEM parts.
Third - take your time if you're in-experienced. I had a secondary issue caused by an error with re-assembly. And if you have questions - this site and Google will help you through.
Video walk-through I used (I only cleaned/dismantled what I could access from inside the bowl - he goes much further):
Original post:
I’ve ridden my new to me bike around 30 miles and it needed a good cleanse - had great midrange power but was very cold blooded and stumbled from idle. This is a 2008 I just purchased with 1,500 miles on it so carb varnish/gum/clogging seemed reasonable.
Watched several YouTube videos where the tank was pulled, float cover removed and inlets cleaned to solve the issue. When I started today I couldn’t get the Phillips screws loose and instead of trying chemical cleaning decided to pull the carbs. Once I got in I went ahead and disassembled and gave it a good cleaning.
When reassembled it fired right up and idled great. Took it for a short ride and immediately noticed lack of power past slight throttle (fuel starvation?) and when I got it back home it died and wouldn’t start. Noticed it would leak fuel and found it leaking from the vent tube so my assumption is something is wrong with a float.
Guess I got to pull it all apart again. I did take my time and did one carb at a time so I don’t know what went wrong?
-Eric