RX-1 Carb Disassembly

[yami1000]

I'm going to be cleaning my carbs on my '03 RX-1 and I'm considering completely disassembling the rack and removing all components in order to soak everything in a Kleen-Flo Carb Cleaner. I will be removing all of the rubber components/o-rings and any plastic that may be affected by the strong solution. I haven't been able to find any other posts that describe soaking the carbs for a day in a cleaner and I was wondering if this is ill-advised. I have heard of instances where certain carbs had some internal plastic components that were affected by the cleaner. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[VT_BluYamaha54]

I wouldn't do it - but that would also depend on just how cruddy your carbs really are. Most of us have been able to resolve carb issues by removing and cleaning the jets then blowing out passages in the main body.
Why do you feel this is needed?

 

[Indy]

I wouldnt do it. Ditto on what Blu says.

 

[yami1000]

I wouldn't do it - but that would also depend on just how cruddy your carbs really are. Most of us have been able to resolve carb issues by removing and cleaning the jets then blowing out passages in the main body.
Why do you feel this is needed?

The sled has been sitting for a couple of years and has not had any fuel stabilizer added. Fuel was running out of the vent tubes when I started it the other day so I definitely have some cleaning to perform.

 

[smokingcrater]

So I wouldn't do it either! To clarify, it isn't really needed. Don't break them apart, just strip them all down and remove all the jets. Clean those guys, you may need to replace the idle jets. Check the float valves and clean the filters below them. Spray carb cleaner followed by compressed air through the passages in the carb, and then reassemble.

(just as an interesting story, couple years ago I wanted to clean up the rear cassette/sprocket on my mountain bike. Left it in some purple power degreaser overnight. Next day, come back and wondered who was messing with me, the cassette was gone. Yeah, there were small little pieces of it left over that hadn't yet been attacked and dissolved by the solvent. Also, do not get purple power on your skin... Does nasty things.)

 

[yami1000]

So I wouldn't do it either! To clarify, it isn't really needed. Don't break them apart, just strip them all down and remove all the jets. Clean those guys, you may need to replace the idle jets. Check the float valves and clean the filters below them. Spray carb cleaner followed by compressed air through the passages in the carb, and then reassemble.

(just as an interesting story, couple years ago I wanted to clean up the rear cassette/sprocket on my mountain bike. Left it in some purple power degreaser overnight. Next day, come back and wondered who was messing with me, the cassette was gone. Yeah, there were small little pieces of it left over that hadn't yet been attacked and dissolved by the solvent. Also, do not get purple power on your skin... Does nasty things.)

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

 

[rmeyers]

My carbs were sitting with the ethanol gas and found everything green (algae?) inside in the fall. I was told a sonic cleaner would work well, and it did. Had to take all the plastics and o rings etc off. Linkage was regreased installed and ran great. Highly recommend this, dealer charged $150. Worth it for the big jobs IMO.

 

[Brian A]

Make sure you clean your float needle and seats in addition to the jets. They are probably dirty causing the flooding. Or you may even have a bad float

 

[DoktorC]

Get some yamaha penetrating fluid (actual Yamalube penetrating fluid). Pull the bowls and fill them with YPF....take the jets/needle valve out and put them in the bowls to soak for a few hours. I like to put the rack in the vice and spray them down with YPF. Then blow everything out...take extra caution with the pilots and the pilot circuit...they are small...make SURE they are clean.

 

[superfan75]

Get some yamaha penetrating fluid (actual Yamalube penetrating fluid). Pull the bowls and fill them with YPF....take the jets/needle valve out and put them in the bowls to soak for a few hours. I like to put the rack in the vice and spray them down with YPF. Then blow everything out...take extra caution with the pilots and the pilot circuit...they are small...make SURE they are clean.

Can you buy the Yamalube penetrating fluid anywhere other than a Yamaha dealer ? There isn't a dealer very close to where I live.

 

[DoktorC]

I've only ever seen it at a dealer...sorry...but it works good...

 

[superfan75]

That's cool. I'll just have to make a trip to the dealer this summer. It'll give me an excuse to hop on the bike and go for a ride.

 

[tproteau]

When I got my sled it wasn't running and the carbs were all crudded up (sat with ethanol fuel) I just sprayed them with a carb and choke cleaner after disassembling the carbs. Most of the time the passage ways can be cleared with these aerosol cleaners and compressed air. Its not worth the headache of replacing plastic components to disassemble them and possibly breaking the parts. Do Not put anything Plastic or Rubber near the carb cleaner as you will be replacing theses parts. Also be gentle with the float needle valves and seats, the have a little rubber o ring that is sensitive. You don't want gas by passing this other wise you will run rich and flood your airbox with gas.