If the carburetor on your old car or motorcycle is gummed up, you don't have to stop driving it. Over time, especially with fuel sitting in it, a carburetor can develop a layer of varnish wherever fuel sits. Cleaning off this layer of varnish, and opening up fuel passageways, may be easier than you think. With a little mechanical know-how and some basic tools, almost anyone can revitalize a gummed up carburetor and breathe life into a vintage ride.
Remove the carburetor from the air intake manifold.
Disassemble the carburetor noting the position of all part elements for reassembly.
Remove any rubber, felt or paper gaskets from the carburetor even if they are in good condition. Chemical carburetor cleaners will damage these gaskets.
Soak all metal parts in liquid carburetor cleaner. Allow the carb cleaner liquid to have access to all passageways inside the carb by rotating and shaking the part while submersed in the liquid cleaner.
Remove the parts from the liquid cleaner and blow dry using compressed air. Ensure all passageways are clean and free of any cleaner residue.
Replace all rubber, felt and paper gaskets with new replacements. Even if the gaskets look to be in good condition, it is best practice to replace all of them at this stage to avoid having to disassemble th carb again.
Reassemble the carburetor in the opposite order of disassembly. Reinstall the carburetor using a new gasket over the air intake manifold.
