Why not just buy replcaement carbs?

ok, I am not mechanically inclined but i went ahead and bought an 86 vfr700... That said, as part of the general tuneup I want to get the carbs cleaned, jets cleaned etc, etc.


Most places want crazy money to clean the carbs... Why not just buy a used refurbed set off ebay for $140?


Wouldn't that be easier and less expensive? How about calibration? Is this part of the excessive 4-5 hour quotes?

 

When you buy a used set, how do you know it was completely cleaned and all the parts are correct, and in the correct spot.

The 4-5 hour quote is just about right. Calibration may or may not be included in the quote. (Bench calibration normally is - actual carb syncing while the bike is running is probably considered extra)

A guy I know from another board (Billy Carr) cleans carbs for a decent price. A definite stand up guy and very knowledgeable. He can be found at billycarrjr@earthlink.net.

Or you can do it yourself. As long as you are patient and meticulous, it shouldn't be much of a problem.

For a rebuild tutorial, try here: http://users.rcn.com/kochc/moto/carb/carb.html

It should give you a good headstart.

Take digital pictures as you disassemble the carbs. Keep the carbs in the same spot on the bench when you took pictures and do one carb at a time. You do not want to mix parts. Some are different between carbs. I leave the linkages attached to at least one of the carbs. And when I use a carb, I fasten the linkage to the other carb and remove it from the one I'm working on. That way, the linkage doesn't really move, just the carb does.

Buy a Carb Dip "coffee" can to soak your carbs in (Berryman's at Autozone $20). Don't remove the butterfly screws. They are staked and can strip easily if you try to remove them. Don't worry about the felt gasket on the throttle shaft. The carb dip won't hurt it. It will cause rubber to swell tremendously though.

Since you have them apart, replace the Fuel tube O-rings. Make sure you get Nitrile gas-resistant ones. Not plumbing ones, they will disintegrate.

I got a Metric O-Ring kit from Harbor Freight with something like 396 O-Rings for $10.