How to Clean a Two Cycle Carburetor
Make sure you have a clean, well lit work area and the proper tools before you begin., Brush or use compressed air to clean the outside of the engine and the air cleaner housing before beginning., Remove the air cleaner housing., Remove the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make sure you have a clean
These devices have small fasteners and parts which must be kept clean and safe while you work on them, and some have special fasteners that are difficult to remove without the right tools. -
Step 2: well lit work area and the proper tools before you begin.
This will make it easier to keep the internal parts of the carburetor clean while disassembling it. , It may be attached with clips or screws, you should be able to locate them by inspecting the housing visually.
If you cannot remove the housing on the engine you are working on, consult the owner's manual or search specific information online. , There are usually two threaded studs with nuts and washers that serve this purpose.
Be careful not to drop these nuts in an inaccessible location beneath the powerhead. , Â If there is a spring clamp, be sure that you do not overstretch it while removing it. , You can usually grip them gently with needle nose pliers and work them free.
If clamps are used to attach them, remove the clamps prior to trying to remove the fuel lines. , Again, note the position of the carburetor, most are symmetrical, so they can be reinstalled upside down, and the aforementioned linkages and fuel lines will not fit if that is the case. , Brush any stubborn dirt off with a soft bristle parts brush, using a solvent like carburetor/choke cleaner or unchlorinated brake cleaning solvent to make the job easier. , You can now ease the edge of the diaphragm up a little to look for dirt or debris underneath it in the fuel channels and the small reservoir.
If debris is visible, use canned compressed air to blow it out.
Use solvent to dissolve any gum or varnish present only if needed. , For carburetors that have a large, visible build up of varnish or gum underneath the diaphragm, you may have to remove it completely, but in this case, you will probably need to buy a rebuild kit with new parts, as damage to the diaphragm is likely to occur while removing it. , Again, remove the four screws (usually), and pry the cover gently off of the carburetor.
If you damage the gasket, you will need to purchase a replacement, so be careful. , If you see varnish buildup or trash in the screen, use a solvent (carburetor/choke cleaner) to dissolve it.
For heavy buildup, you may need to fill a small, clean solvent proof container with solvent and soak the complete assembly for a short time to dissolve it. , You can also spray solvent through the tubes where the fuel lines connect to the housing. ,,,, -
Step 3: Brush or use compressed air to clean the outside of the engine and the air cleaner housing before beginning.
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Step 4: Remove the air cleaner housing.
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Step 5: Remove the fasteners that hold the carburetor onto the engine.
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Step 6: Disconnect the throttle and choke linkages from the carburetor
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Step 7: noting how they fasten and where each one is attached.
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Step 8: Remove the fuel lines from the nipples connecting them to the carburetor housing.
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Step 9: Pull the carburetor off of the mounting studs
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Step 10: being careful not to damage the gasket that seals the carburetor throat to the engine.
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Step 11: Blow off any dirt or other debris from the outside of the carburetor
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Step 12: being careful not to allow it into the throttle body in the process.
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Step 13: Remove the screw from the diaphragm cover plate and pry the cover off
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Step 14: while being careful not to deform the metal housing or damaging the gasket.
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Step 15: Reinstall the cover plate when you are satisfied the area underneath the diaphragm is clear.
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Step 16: Remove the carburetor base to access the internal screen (fuel filter).
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Step 17: Look into the larger hole near where the main fuel supply line connects to the carburetor.
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Step 18: Use a tube applicator on your aerosol can of solvent to blow out the ports the the carburetor housing.
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Step 19: Blow out the excess solvent and any remaining debris from the carburetor housing and ports with compressed air
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Step 20: then inspect the whole assembly to make sure it is spotlessly clean.
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Step 21: Reassemble the cover
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Step 22: making sure all of the screws are tightened snugly.
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Step 23: Reinstall the carburetor by reversing the removal steps found earlier in the article.
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Step 24: Test run the engine.
Detailed Guide
These devices have small fasteners and parts which must be kept clean and safe while you work on them, and some have special fasteners that are difficult to remove without the right tools.
This will make it easier to keep the internal parts of the carburetor clean while disassembling it. , It may be attached with clips or screws, you should be able to locate them by inspecting the housing visually.
If you cannot remove the housing on the engine you are working on, consult the owner's manual or search specific information online. , There are usually two threaded studs with nuts and washers that serve this purpose.
Be careful not to drop these nuts in an inaccessible location beneath the powerhead. , Â If there is a spring clamp, be sure that you do not overstretch it while removing it. , You can usually grip them gently with needle nose pliers and work them free.
If clamps are used to attach them, remove the clamps prior to trying to remove the fuel lines. , Again, note the position of the carburetor, most are symmetrical, so they can be reinstalled upside down, and the aforementioned linkages and fuel lines will not fit if that is the case. , Brush any stubborn dirt off with a soft bristle parts brush, using a solvent like carburetor/choke cleaner or unchlorinated brake cleaning solvent to make the job easier. , You can now ease the edge of the diaphragm up a little to look for dirt or debris underneath it in the fuel channels and the small reservoir.
If debris is visible, use canned compressed air to blow it out.
Use solvent to dissolve any gum or varnish present only if needed. , For carburetors that have a large, visible build up of varnish or gum underneath the diaphragm, you may have to remove it completely, but in this case, you will probably need to buy a rebuild kit with new parts, as damage to the diaphragm is likely to occur while removing it. , Again, remove the four screws (usually), and pry the cover gently off of the carburetor.
If you damage the gasket, you will need to purchase a replacement, so be careful. , If you see varnish buildup or trash in the screen, use a solvent (carburetor/choke cleaner) to dissolve it.
For heavy buildup, you may need to fill a small, clean solvent proof container with solvent and soak the complete assembly for a short time to dissolve it. , You can also spray solvent through the tubes where the fuel lines connect to the housing. ,,,,
About the Author
Ryan Stokes
Creates helpful guides on organization to inspire and educate readers.
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