Clean or rebuild carbs?

[hkeiner]

I have never cleaned the carbs on my motor since I got it about a year ago. Also, I believe that the previous owner of this motor never had the carbs cleaned either. The motor runs very well at WOT but it does not idle well nor does it accellerate well. There are 320 hours on the motor. I think it is time to clean or rebuild the carbs.

I have read the many posts on carb cleaning in the forum and read the shop manual. I believe that I understand the process but I am not sure about a few things specific to my WMV carbs:

1) Is it OK to leave the fixed jets in the carb body for soaking and subsequent blow out with carb spray/air or is it important to remove them in order to clean out the passages behind the jets? I prefer to not remove them as I am afraid of damaging the jets if they are stuck and can't be easily screwed out. (see part # 6,7,8,24 on attached thumbnail)

2) Is it more common to replace a lot of carb parts using a complete rebuild kit (which is more expensive) or is it more typical to just replace the gaskets and float valve seat kit(part #18)?

Thanks for any opinions/suggestions/cautions.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Clean or rebuild carbs?

You can leave the jets in if they don't want to come out, just don't jimmy them up and leave them in that can alter the fuel flow thru them. Don't soak the carb body some will be damaged by the solution. Clean them with carb spray and blow them out. Ck the jets with a flashlight when done. All you need is inlet needles and a gasket set for each carb. Be sure to ck float levels

 

[jebeebe]

Re: Clean or rebuild carbs?

You can leave the jets in if they don't want to come out, just don't jimmy them up and leave them in that can alter the fuel flow thru them. Don't soak the carb body some will be damaged by the solution. Clean them with carb spray and blow them out. Ck the jets with a flashlight when done. All you need is inlet needles and a gasket set for each carb. Be sure to ck float levels

Bob, I just saw your statement on not soaking the carb bodies. I did on my 88' 60hp. Am I in for trouble? I had heard this before but didn't know if it was for older motors. Can you enlighten me on this?...............Jerry

 

[Laddies]

Re: Clean or rebuild carbs?

Jerry, Some brands of soaking cleaners (not all brands) can attack the alumiun of the carb bodys, So if you have soaked an not had a problem your OK. It's just a chance of having a problem. Back in the 80s when at service school it was brought up and the Instructer said Mercury did not recommond soaking

 

[jebeebe]

Re: Clean or rebuild carbs?

Thanks for the info. I'll read on my can though it probably won't mention it. I'll just keep an eye on the carb bowls from time to time in the future. Catch you later Bob.........................Jerry

 

[hkeiner]

Re: Clean or rebuild carbs?

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