How to Clean a Carburetor
In order to maintain speed and efficiency in your vehicle, it is important to keep your carburetor clean. Air must be able to pass into the inlet manifold housed within the carburetor in order to mix with gas and fire the engine. If you are experiencing any trouble with your carburetor, or simply wish to perform routine maintenance by cleaning your carburetor, please follow these steps.
Required Materials
- Your vehicle’s manual
- Clean rags (lint-free)
- Carburetor cleaner (spray)
- Gloves
- Can of compressed air
- Glass Bowl
- Toothpicks
Required Tools
- Screw driver
- Wrench
Instructions
- Begin by removing your carburetor. The best way to remove your carburetor will vary depending on the age and type of vehicle you own. Your vehicle’s manual should give instructions on how this is done.
- Once you disassemble the carburetor, lay the parts out on one of the lint-free rags. Carburetors are comprised of many small parts so make sure you keep them all together and are mindful of screws, washers, nuts and bolts. It is important to use lint-free rags so that no material is left on the carburetor to hinder future performance. Once the parts are laid out, spray them down with your carburetor cleaner.
- Individual parts of the carburetor have many small holes, nooks and grooves, be sure to inspect each piece to ensure that it is free of debris and gunky build up. Examine each hole in the fuel bowl, throttle shutter, flange gasket, etc. and make sure they are clean. If they aren’t, you can use toothpicks to help dislodge any stubborn gunk. The same can be done on screw grooves.
- If you find there are small holes, shafts or valves that are not cleaned by the carburetor cleaner spray, position the straw of the compressed air can four to five inches away from the part (while it is secured) and spray. If held too close to the part, compressed air can leave a residue which could impact your carburetor’s future performance.
- Once you’ve wiped down all the parts, you may find some with heavy residue build up that can’t be wiped away easily. Any parts with heavy build up can be soaked overnight in the carburetor cleanser. Make sure you have a glass bowl (or other bowl that can withstand the chemicals in the cleanser). Fill the bowl half way with cleanser and place your heavily soiled carburetor part in the solution. If the part is not completely covered by the cleanser, add more. Once the part has soaked for 3 or more hours, you should be able to wipe it clean with a lint-free rag.
- Once each part is clean and dry, reassemble the carburetor and re-install in your vehicle.
