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Anonymous
Anonymous asked in Cars & TransportationMotorcycles · 1 decade ago

Has anybody ever heard of cleaning motorcycle carburetors like this?

I have an 85 kawasaki 454 it sat for a few years and got clogged up. We drained the gas and took apart the carbs and cleaned them as best as we could. and even put in a carb new rebuild kit. Added some carb cleaner to the gas and I have been driving it as much as I can maybe 1 day a week like 40 minuets each time. And it is stubborn to start takes a few cranks and takes a while like 5-10 minuets to warm up if you do not wait it is hell to take off in. Even driving down the road you can feel the hesitation like when you are at a steady speed (55). Here is the question somebody told my husband to run out all of the gas add laquer thinner for a few runs and that will fix it is this crazy the can said not to be used as a fuel. I do not want this to blow up on me?

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Laquer thinner could well increase your problems.

    Try adding a couple ounces per gallon of Marvel Mystery Oil to your gas for a while. (available at Wally World)

    I used it regularly on bikes with carbs.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Carb cleaning and syncronization are best left to shop mechanics, unless you've been to the schools and have the gauges and a carb-soak tank and really know your way around a carb. If the bike set for a long time, I suspect the gas tank has accumulated moisture and probably rust. Tiny rust flakes will keep being pulled through the fuel system unless and until the tank is cleaned out and maybe treated with an internal sealant. I know all this sounds expensive, but I think that little Kawasaki is worth it (one of my favorite smaller bikes) K ;o)

  • 1 decade ago

    Why this fixation on the carb ? It could be the plug or may be even a simple clogged fuel hose. Check out the complete fuel sys and the electrical as well. Clean up the air and oil filers. I suggest since you are an ordent bike fan I suggest a thorough service by Kawasaki.

  • 1 decade ago

    I thought you were going to ask if I had heard of boiling them.

    That works somewhat.

    DO NOT use laquer thinner! The seals, gaskets, etc. are not compatible. It isn't fuel, and will harm your valves.

    If Seafoam doesn't take care of it (and I don't think it will at this point), then complete disassembly and cleaning/replacing jets is called for. The small air passages that fuel and additive don't go through get plugged.

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Don't do it. God knows what that'll break loose, or melt, or whatever.

    Take the carbs loose and soak them in a good strong cleaner for a week or two (sorry to recommend that just when the riding weather gets here). Then find the tech manual for the bike and tune them up and be sure they're just as synchronized as you know how to make them.

    Good luck. I've taken a couple of carbs apart in my day. Work on the floor so you can't drop anything and lose it forever - you'd be surprised how far those tiny little springs can bounce.

  • 1 decade ago

    also check the filter at the end of the fuel petcock,unscrew it from the bottom of the gas tank,

    do NOT run thinners in your motor,they are fine for cleaning if you have the carb all apart,but never use them in a running engine.

    whoever told you this needs a good swift kick in HIS petcock

  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Has laguered up old gas tends to leave residue on metal parts use spray carb cleaner should work!!

  • mxlj
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    SEAFOAM!! it is the best carb cleaner out there. put it in the tank. i have seen numerous wierd carb bogs, hesitations etc. cured with this stuff. it cleans all the varnish off.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    The low speed or pilot jets in that bike are VERY SMALL, and cleaning may not get all the

    crap that is restricting your fuel.

    GET NEW pilot jets the same size and put them in.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Clean and gap the spark plugs. Clean or replace the air filter elements. Then get a professional tune-up.

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