is there anyone that rebuilds carbs?

Is there someplace that carbs can be sent to be rebuilt? Don't think I want to go all the way.

 

I was intimidated by the carbs as well, just took mine off a week ago for the first time.

And frankly... They're not as bad as everyone makes it sound. You just have to treat it like anything else in motorcycle maintenance: take it slow, be thorough and sensitive, do it right. Worst part was just putting them back in, and that you'll have to do on your own even if you mail it out!

Edit: That being said, my local mechanic is one I would actually trust to work on these carbs, and he does a full rack for $320 + parts, if I remember right, and guarantees his work. I don't know if he'd be willing to do some by mail-in, but I could ask if no other option comes up.

You also might try google.

And you also might find a local member who can help you out.

You might also look for a SJM mechanic in your area and see if you trust him, it'd be best to do it local.

 

I know that there are some members that offer, and it's about the same price. They might chime in or PM you. You'd be paying for their TIME...and it's a lot of time to do it RIGHT. But if you do it yourself, it's more of a labor of love and learning, and actual time=money need not apply :-D

I agree with fintip, they aren't hard, and I basically learned on XJ carbs too. The BIGGEST unknown are the stuck fastners. Invest in Kroil, an impact driver, grinder (and cheap screw drivers to grind into precision tipped screw drivers), cupcake tins to keep the parts organized, and ALOT of patience. A lot is lost when you try to rush the job, don't use the proper tool, or don't give Kroil a chance to work.

Putting them back in is made MUCH easier if your airbox boots are pliable/new 8)

 

I have to admit that what I've read scares me. Especially the part about messing up the brass fittings. I've had the carbs off and cleaned the lower parts, set floats, wet set, etc. Adjusted valves, bench sync'ed, and started. Actually when I got the bike it ran well, just poor gas mileage (30 mpg) and that's why I removed the carbs and checked floats, etc. Now it is mostly a problem with idle, although I have not yet sync'ed while running. That's next as soon as I clean out the YICS channel. Maybe that will solve the idle problem. Thanks for the encouragement.

 

Tabaka, what idle problem specifically???

 

85 XJ700N--10500 miles. Bought it running, but a little rough. Had carbs cleaned by shop and it ran better, but only got about 30 mpg. Folks here told me to adjust valves, clean carbs, set floats (wet), bench sync, running sync. Did everything but go into the top part of the carbs and haven't done a running sync because the YICS channel needs to be cleaned so I can insert the tool all the way in. (waiting for proper wire brush).

The bike is a little hard to start. I worked with it last night and actually replaced one spark plug in the process. (The plugs are less than 3 weeks old!?) Initially, I could get it started and it would cut off when trying to start out in 1st gear. Finally got it going and sometimes it would die when I came to a stop in neutral. Once going it runs well. I'm going to run it tonight and see if maybe all this was from a failing plug, and I'll re-post.

Also, when I cleaned the carbs I replaced the fuel line and added a filter. I noticed last night that the fuel line (clear) is empty from the filter to the carbs, and full to the filter. When running fuel is drawn past the filter but it doesn't seen to fill the fuel line. (The carbs are not leaking, no fuel in the oil, or on the floor.) I just found this a bit strange, and tonight I'm going to remove the fuel line and manually fill it and see if it stays full. Weird.

 

The Hitachi carbs are a real b*tch! Mine were rebuilt by carb guru Mike Belluomo in California several years ago. Not sure if he's still in the business though, his old website address is NFG.

 

Tabaka45. PM sent.

 

Tabaka, we're well versed with these carbs if you need help but I don't want to jump in front of anybody who has already posted or contacted you.

Ron
Barely Legal Bikes
Athens, AL
2567-232-2160

 

this is my first dance with carbuerators in any form. And on a 30 year old bike... I won't lie. Even with the vast knowledge of everyone on this site, knowing and doing are two different things.

BUT having said that I HIGHLY reccomend doing it yourself to learn and know your bike like the back of your hand.

I still have some adjustments, tweaks, and good old fashioned "try again" to do before it's just right. but it's getting there. And I feel much better than sending it off to someone who swears up and down they know what they're doing... and then maybe they don't, and you send it off again, and again, and end up with the same frustrations you'd have if you'd done it yourself, with none of the payoff.

But to each their own. No shame in having a pro take care of your baby. It's what they're there for. Personally I just had to call around a few bike shops till I found someone who says they're good at the carb rebuilds. He let me borrow his YICS stick.