how to clean carburator and put it back together

Are there any how-to threads on xjbikes that explains how to dissasemble and clean a carburator as well as putting it back together within manufacturers specifications? I know that these can be extremely tricky, so I want some direction

 

Use the search function, there's more here on carbs than you have time to read ... also the manuals have a lot of good diagrams, you should do it very methodically with a digital camera. It's not hard but it is complicated and when they are all in bits it's surprising just how many parts there are so go slow and learn them a bit at a time.

Learn to love them, they have a beauty that is unique so don't treat them as the enemy, they need to be nurtured back to good health ...

 

Definitely start here at the XJ4ever forum:
- THE SECRET LIFE OF CARBURETORS
- IN THE CHURCH OF CLEAN

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewforum/f=23.html

 

Since you have Mikunis, and they're a little different; MIKUNI EXPLODED VIEW: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=31061.html

Both the aftermarket (Clymer) and factory books cover the basic "strip and clean" service, but the photos do leave a lot to be desired. The above-linked photo article along with your service manual should get you going in the right direction.

 

Honestly it wasn't that hard, with my mikunis atleast. You can throw all the peices from the lower half of the carb, except for needle and float, in its corresponding float bowl for organization. I do to lay out the top half in order of assembly though.



That was the first time I tore em down. Once you get the first one apart the rest are easy

 

GSresources also has a good carb cleaning guide (also Mikunis I believe)
Mind you they disassemble the whole rack which is usually not recommended, but the detail shots are worth a look, and a few good tips as well

Use that along with Rick's carb cleaning articles and you're good to go
(carb cleaning the whole 9 yards and your carbs need to go clunk are golden)

 

The first time you go-after Cleaning your own Carbs; get organized and take your own sweet time cleaning the Number-1 Carb.

Use the Number-1 Carb to learn how everything looks and fits together.
Take pictures.
Make notes.
Use Sharpies and color the Parts.
Mark and Number Parts.
Center Punch a Dot on the RIGHT Side End of the Choke Rod.
Take a close-up Photo of how the Spacers and Pull-piece fit on the Rod.

Go to town and disassemble the No.-1 Carb learning how to make the moves when you do the other three.

Once you get 1, 2 and 3 done, ...
You'll be a seasoned veteran when you tear-into No.-4.

Don't remove the AIR Jets.
Flush right through them.
Drive-out the Center Emulsion Tube.
Clean its Outside Diameter, ... Inside Diameter ... and each one of
the 16 -to- 20 Air Metering Holes drilled through it side to side.
Look through those Holes for light to assure they are clean.

 

Don't break the rack unless you are replacing the (8) throttle shaft seals, which you would do if you had a hanging idle when warm/hot.

Don't dunk the rack in solvent unless you are breaking the rack. Clean with gasoline and a cheep brush. Then blow out with carb cleaner.

Run a wire from a wire brush, or a guitar string thru 16 holes - - (4) float bowl jets, hidden, (4) brass tubes hanging down from the main body, their (4) side vents, and the Pilot wells, and related tiny holes. Redefine Meticulous.

 

And blow air through all the holes to make sure you get ALL the crap out. I spent two days making sure everything was cleaned out.