easy CARB questions

[gripit_N_ripit]

just bought a 1993 fj that has sat for almost a year. the previous owner said the bike was completly stock minus a few fairing scratches and cracks. PO provides receipt for total carb rebuild right before he stopped riding it(a year ago). suprisingly the battery was in good enough condition to start the bike with the choke on only. brought the bike home, drained the tank, and added fresh fuel with a little fuel additive/cleaner. the motor fires decently and idles around 1000rpm with choke on and with new gas. i let the bike warm up a few minutes and cut the choke back 1 notch and motor dies. ok so i start it back up and find that the motor feels good at all reasonable rpms except idle with a slight hesitation anywhere below 3000rpm. so i have a pretty good idea i've got to clean the carbies ( idle circuits in particular) my question is, if the carbs have been rebuilt a year ago do you think all the rubber orings will be ok or should i plan on getting a kit and doing it all over again??? any help, thoughts, advise, or direction is greatly appreciated. thanks in advance!

[andyb]

Depends on how well you trust the guy saying they were done.  A rebuild can mean a light polishing of the bowls and never opening them, or it can mean replacing a ton of little rubber bits.  If it ran properly when parked, and the carbs have semi-fresh rubber bits in them, and it wasn't stored someplace super nasty, then they'll probably be fine.  Of course if you're me, you'll tear up some portion of one while you're cleaning, and have to get bits anyhow.

There's a post describing the sizes of o-rings in the carbs someplace, incidentally.  Unless you need float needles and gaskets, it's much easier than getting the little kits.  Better still, get the SS screw/oring kit.

[gripit_N_ripit]

thanks for such a quick reply! weeeell, i have no clue if i can trust the guy himself but he seemed honest enough. on the receipt it says LABOR CLEAN CARBS..........250.00. with no parts added to that line. does that sound about right to thoroughly clean the carbs?

[gripit_N_ripit]

ok here goes the second question....... given the above stated symptoms about idling ( or lack there of) and choke operation, do you think i can get by with a minimal cleaning on the carbs? seem like only the idle circuits are possibly clogged.

[Travis398]

that's what I would try first.

[racerman_27410]

if its not dumping fuel on the ground or filling the cylinders/crankcase you can probably get by with a thorough cleaning.

i would still pull the main jets and emulsion tubes just to make sure all the tiny holes are clear of varnish.

i would also recommend a carb sync tool.... you are going to need it.  The FJ responds very well to having it's carbs perfectly synchronized.


KOokaloo!

[gripit_N_ripit]

thanks so much guys. im getting ready to clean them now. no fuel leaking/pouring anywhere. i even rode shortly last night.....i couldnt help myself!!! anyways no i do not have the synching gauges, i was considering trying out the homemade tool but im still alittle unclear of the exact procedure i think i need to bury myself with some literature to be confident i am doing a proper synch. off i go, thanks for the help and i will repost to update progress.

[gripit_N_ripit]

please forgive me for my ignorance, but the pilot jet is mainly responsible for idle operation...correct??? i've got the bowls off and sprayed carb cleaner through pilots and then compressed air after that. BTW bowls were very clean, it didnt look like there was any varnish at all..??

[Marsh White]

anyways no i do not have the synching gauges, i was considering trying out the homemade tool but im still alittle unclear of the exact procedure

This link may be of some help:

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=302.msg2227#msg2227

[gripit_N_ripit]

ALRIGHT!!!!! cleaned the carbs and the dang thing started without the choke and idles beautifly. warmed it up and took it for a spin, the thing is awesome however i did discover that it does indeed jump out of second gear for a split second under heavy acceleration..............buuuummmer.... oh it runs great thanks for all the help guys yall are awesome!!!!! will be in touch when i synch the carbs.

[Lotsokids]

I found an analog gauge type carb synchronizer on Ebay that works very well for about $70. Don't forget that your fuel shutoff pQ-tipetcock used a vacuum line to feed your fuel. I had to synch 3 carbs, then swap vacuum lines and synch the fourth one.

I'm a little late, but I was going to mention a little trick a friend taught me years ago about cleaning your needle and seat in the carb. Use a little toothpaste on the end of a Q-tip and clean / polish the seats. It works great.

[tqmx1]

I found an analog gauge type carb synchronizer on Ebay that works very well for about $70. Don't forget that your fuel shutoff pQ-tipetcock used a vacuum line to feed your fuel. I had to synch 3 carbs, then swap vacuum lines and synch the fourth one.

Not on a 89 & later. They have electric fuel pumps so no vacuum petcocks of the FJ1100 and G1 FJ1200 bikes

[racerrad8]

I found an analog gauge type carb synchronizer on Ebay...

Here are a couple of other options; and I have a few more I am trying to get for inventory.

http://www.rpmracingca.com/products.asp?cat=49

Randy - RPM

[SlowOldGuy]

Randy,
I once had that 4 gauge setup and it was trash.  Better to throw in a few more $ and get the Motion Pro or a Morgan Carbtune.

DavidR.