Motorcycle Carburetor Basics: Easy Tips to Fix Your Dirt Bike o#o

Is your motorcycle not running right? Here's a quick checklist of easy fixes to try before pulling the carburetor or taking your dirt bike to a mechanic (yeah they're simple, but often overlooked): Check for fuel. Check to make sure fuel is not too old (smells weak or like varnish). Check that the petcock is on. Check the flow between the gas tank and carburetor. Check the vent hose and the gas cap to make sure air can pass through. Check the air filter, it should be clean and sticky to the touch. Need to search parts? http://everide.org/buy/partsfinder and click "Shop Parts Finder" If these all look good, start with the basics of the carburetor: Loosen the rubber boots/joints on the sides of the carburetor (one goes to the motor, the other to the airbox) and slide the carb out. Check the boots/joints for cracks, wear, or damage, and replace damaged boots. Pull the carburetor out slightly so you can get access to the bottom of the carb without removing the throttle cables from the other side, and undo only the bolts that hold the float bowl (bottom section) on. Now you'll have access to the jets, floats, needle, and seat. You can remove the jets with small flat-head screwdrivers and/or small sockets. Remove one at a time because they're small and it's just easier to keep track of them. Either clean the jets by spraying carb cleaner (wear protective eyewear!) through the tiny holes in the middle or replace them with new jets from your local dealership. Jets are only about $3 each, and they can often recommend exactly what you need if you tell them about your motorcycle's mods, exhaust, and the altitude you plan to ride at. Spray the float bowl and up into the carburetor with carb cleaner, then replace the float bowl. Put the carb back in the bike and make sure it sits right in the boots. Tighten the boots/joints back up and run the bike. It should be running much better/smoother now, but still might need some simple adjustments if it's bogging down, backfiring/popping, or running too hot. Make these adjustments with the fuel/air mixture screw/pilot assembly, located on the bottom of the carb towards the motor side. Turn it clockwise in half-turn increments to reduce bogging and backfiring, and turn it counterclockwise in half-turn incriments to cool it off. At this point you just need to adjust the idle screw, usually doable by hand. Clockwise will make the bike idle at higher RPMs to prevent stalling, and counter clockwise will lower the RPMs at idle. These simple fixes will work with probably 90% of all running problems. If these simple steps don't work, then I'd consult a mechanic at that point. Carburetors can be pretty finicky, and if the carb is good but the bike still has problems, it could be a deeper issue. Good luck! Love Adventure? Subscribe to eveRide ADV for new adventures every Saturday! http://youtube.com/everideorg http://everide.org is the new hub of Dual Sport, ADV, and Enduro motorcycling. Join the eveRide community's positive vibe, tailor made for new and experienced riders. See more videos, pictures, ride reports, gear reviews, deals, and more! Get to know our awesome, positive, inclusive community! See bonus footage, meet moto buddies, and get enduro tips! http://everide.org/facebook http://everide.org/instagram http://everide.org/twitter Favorite http://everide.org to support the FREE creation of more ADV, Enduro, and Dual Sport videos by using the partner links to shop online! Or simply click the links below and shop like normal: http://everide.org/amazon http://everide.org/ebay http://everide.org/RMATVMC (Rocky Mountain ATV MC) http://everide.org/motorcyclesuperstore http://everide.org/cyclegear See a video of my recommended riding gear! http://everide.org/yt/gear See a video of every mod on my DRZ 400! http://everide.org/yt/mods The following gear has withstood the crucible of enduro and ADV motorcycling while maintaining excellent value-for-money. The links below feature products from many different retailers, and are the lowest prices we could find. Using these links supports more free content on the eveRide channel. **RIDER ARMOR & PROTECTION** +AFX FX 39 Dual Sport Helmet $110 http://amzn.to/1KItYBB +Fox Titan CLONE Body Armor $40 http://everide.org/buy/armor-jackets +Decade Armored Gauntlet Gloves http://amzn.to/1EPo8Gg +Over-the-knee Articulating Shin Guards $25 http://everide.org/buy/arc-knee-guards +Oneal MX Boots $120 http://amzn.to/1BDZHeK **MOTOVLOGGING, CAMERAS, MICS, & TECH GEAR** +Helmet Camera - Sony as100v http://amzn.to/1I61xtS +Sena SMH10 In-helmet Bluetooth Communicators http://amzn.to/1JkBxMM +In-helmet Motovlogging Mic http://amzn.to/1AJuw6Q +RAM Phone Holder http://amzn.to/1IgwoHQ **LIGHTING AND STREET-LEGAL MODS** +18w LED Flood/Spot Light Bar $15 http://amzn.to/1I66tPb +Trailtech X2 Universal Halogen Headlight $100 http://amzn.to/1AJyE6C +LED Flush-mount Blinkers $10 http://amzn.to/1dHz9Ev