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Cleaning carb's on a '85 650 Nighthawk

Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 10:20 am
by wapam
Have anyone ever cleaned carb’s themselves on this bike (or similar)before? Some people say it’s not too hard and some say to let a mechanic do it. I’ve cleaned carb’s on snow blowers, mowers, tractors and dirt bikes before so I think I should be able to do it. Just looking for opinions.

thanks.

Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 12:28 pm
by fireguzzi
I would say just go for it. Just remember where everything goes, and try not to bend anything on the floats.

Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 3:51 pm
by Damian
I've never done in on a Nighthawk, but the idea is similar across bikes, and to some extent, other small engines, which you seem to have experience with.

To give yourself the best chance for success, find a specific how-to for your bike online. There must be at least one out there. Do one carb at a time so you can check the others for reference if you're not sure how they go back together. Don't mix parts among the carbs - some are specific to specific carbs. Take pictures along the way to help with the rebuild. Buy the shop manual for your bike. Always use the right tool for the job - some of those parts are small and fragile. Have something like an egg carton handy to put the small parts in.

If you've broken down other carbs before, i don't see how you can go wrong with those tips.

Good luck!

cleaning carbs

Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 4:48 am
by Gnarlyroad
Get the shop manual for your bike. Then do it yourself. Wish I had done it myself(see-- soap box --mechanics rant). Carb kit 25$ a carb. carb cleaner not much , time yours, to pay someone else to do it outrageuos. Just follow the others suggestions one carb at a time, keep parts orderly(DONT MIX PARTS) and learn about your ride. 8)