Re: Carbs: Rebuild or clean?
Do the parts in carbs wear out and need replacing
I was similarly uncertain when I cleaned/rebuilt the carbs on my motor for the first time. There are, of course, a variety of parts on a carb and one can find "carb kits" that have different parts in them and one can buy additional carb parts too. If it helps you any, this is what I decided when I cleaned/rebuilt my carbs for the first time with the motor having approximately 200 hours on it:
1) I replaced the float valve and the float valve seat. Even though I did not not see any visible wear on these parts, I replaced them anyway due to the minor cost involved and the possibility I would not recognize a worn valve part anyway.
2) I did not replace the float itself, as it looked OK by visual inspection.
3) I replaced all gaskets. This is a must. Do not reuse old gaskets.
4) I did not replace any fixed fuel/air jets idle fuel jets. I did not even remove them from the carb body when soaked in carb cleaner. I did not want to risk damaging the fixed jets during removal or re-installation.
5) I did not replace the adjustable slow speed idle jet. I temporarily removed it from the carb body for separate soaking in carb cleaner.
6) I did not remove or replace the throttle plate and throttle shaft. I soaked the carb body with the throttle plate still installed on the body. I did not want to mess with the small screws attaching the throttle plate to the throttle shaft or worry about proper alignment of the plates upon re-installation.
I hope the above gives you some help in deciding what you want to do on your carbs. Of course, if a part appears obviously worn or damaged, then replace it regardless. Others on this forum may have additional or better advice than this.
