Carb Cleaning?
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Norwalk, CA
Carb Cleaning?
Hey guys, I just recently purchased a 2000 883XL from someone who let it sit for about 2-3 years. The bike only idles with partial choke and will stall if pushed all the way in. I believe the main jet is partially clogged and the carb must be filled with gunk after all that time. I'm completely new to motorcycles and was wondering on how I can go about cleaning the carb? Should I take it out and clean it or would there be an easier way?
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Norwalk, CA
Thanks for the reply. I was thinking of doing that already first but I never seafoamed a motorcycle before. I used seafoam in all my cars running through vacuum lines. I am assuming using seafoam only as a gas additive?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,122
Likes: 43
From: Boise Idaho
I doubt the mechanic in a can is going to help much on a 10 years old bike that's been sitting.
I just had to redo the carb on my 2000 last fall for the first time and it doesn't sit.
All you need is a small dip tank of carb cleaner from your local parts store and and disassemble the carb and soak it over night and then wash the parts in HOT water and reassemble it. You don't even need a kit unless you mess something up taking it apart.
Just take your time, there aren't that many parts to that carb.
I just had to redo the carb on my 2000 last fall for the first time and it doesn't sit.
All you need is a small dip tank of carb cleaner from your local parts store and and disassemble the carb and soak it over night and then wash the parts in HOT water and reassemble it. You don't even need a kit unless you mess something up taking it apart.
Just take your time, there aren't that many parts to that carb.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 713
Likes: 2
From: Pa.
I'd pull the carb and clean it like jag said,not that bad of a job.BTW the main jet kicks in at 3/4 up to full throttle it may be clogged but thats not why it doesnt idle.The slow jet may be clogged up.Did you turn the idle screw in ?hows it run when you give it some gas?
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Norwalk, CA
I'd pull the carb and clean it like jag said,not that bad of a job.BTW the main jet kicks in at 3/4 up to full throttle it may be clogged but thats not why it doesnt idle.The slow jet may be clogged up.Did you turn the idle screw in ?hows it run when you give it some gas?
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 812
Likes: 8
From: Cowtown, USA
I wouldn't worry about it. Pulling the carb is easy. I would also reccomend draining the gas tank if it was left with fuel in it. You may have to flush that as well.
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4th Gear
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From: Norwalk, CA
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: fegfsg
sportsters are the EASIEST bikes to pull the carbs off. two bolts removes the air cleaner, and the carb just pops out.
and there is hundreds of guides on what to do with it once its off.
some tips,
when reassembling, use your finger and spread a thin layer of grease on the float bowl gasket and on the rubber boot that the carb slides into.
and there is hundreds of guides on what to do with it once its off.
some tips,
when reassembling, use your finger and spread a thin layer of grease on the float bowl gasket and on the rubber boot that the carb slides into.