If your Kawasaki motorcycle is having trouble starting or runs rough after a long period on inactivity, you may have a problem with the motorcycle’s carburetors. Most likely, the small jets and passages within the carburetor have become clogged by debris or buildup, preventing fuel from reaching the motor. This can be caused by debris in the fuel tank, or more often, from the degradation of fuel over time, which creates a sticky “goo” that clogs the jets. The only effective method to remove these clogs is to disassemble the carburetor and clean it out.

Instructions

1) Turn the fuel valve off and remove the drain screw from the carburetor’s float bowl with a screwdriver. Drain the remaining fuel in the float bowl into a container. Remove the carburetor from the motorcycle and place it on a clean, level work area.

2) Disassemble the carburetor. Use a screwdriver to remove the float bowl and top cover from the carburetor. Carefully remove the carburetor’s gaskets. Pull the diaphragm and spring out of the top of the carburetor. Remove the brass slide in the throttle valve, using a screwdriver to remove its mounting bolts, and pull the slide out of the carburetor. Place these in individual marked plastic bags to prevent loss.

3) Remove the jets from the lower portion of the carburetor with a small flat screwdriver. Clean each jet as you remove them, spraying the jet with carburetor cleaner and clearing the jet’s passages with compressed air. Place the jets in marked plastic bags.

4) Clear the passages in the carburetor with carburetor cleaner and compressed air. Spray the float bowl liberally with carburetor cleaner and clear any passages in the float bowl with compressed air.

5) Mix a solution of 1 part lemon juice to 6 parts water in a metal pot. Place the solution over a hot plate and heat to a gentle boil. Submerge the entire carburetor and float bowl into the solution and allow it to soak for 20 minutes.

6) Remove the carburetor and float bowl from the solution and rinse immediately with clean water. Scrub the carburetor with a toothbrush to remove any remaining debris or build up and rinse thoroughly. Dry the carburetor with compressed air, directing the air into the fuel passages to dislodge any trapped water and loosened debris

7) Reassemble the carburetor and install it onto the motorcycle.

Extra Tips:

* Add a fuel stabilizer into the fuel supply to prevent fuel degradation over long periods of storage.

* Add an inline fuel filter between the fuel tank and the carburetor to prevent debris or rust within the tank from fouling the carburetor.

* Mark and bag all parts as you remove them to keep from losing them.

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