my day

[ducatiman]

Thanky @DannoXYZ Far cry from what I started with, but didn't want to bore y'all with pics. All internal tuning components and passageways were badly varnished as pic indicates. To be somewhat expected in varying degrees....comes with the territory.

[DannoXYZ]

Well, I never tire of seeing your handiwork!

[ducatiman]

Able to get a ride in on my Honda 650 while weather still nice today. Notice fall color leaves, offering a beautiful visual.

Back to work in morning, a Keihin carbset here with stuck, broken pilot jet remnants, a certain challenge in safe removal.

[ducatiman]

This pilot jet "head" drilled/mauled in prior unsuccessful removal attempts, not leaving me a lot to work with as received....elevated heartbeat for a bit but breathing a sigh of relief....success in saving the carb body/set.

Pic....an unmolested jet shown for comparison, notice slot head area totally gonzo.

[ducatiman]

Found the original factory fuel strainer crumpled and shoved 3-4 inches upwards in the fuel hose..... gone undiagnosed prior, preventing full fuel flow....rendering the bike unable to ride?

Never discovered until now.......was this the *real reason* causing running issues...thus bike was abandoned and left in a disused state?

Total conjecture on my part, but an entirely reasonable scenario....lack of fuel delivery prompting a prior owners blindly dipping into the carbs, with multiple errors complicating even further. The documented mauled pilot jet, a bent slide return spring, the decel valve cover *drilled*, left open to atmosphere (instant vacuum leak) and the diaphragm had a tear (caused by the errant drill?), pilot screw had a visibly bent tip. Discovered even more, but these mistakes all corrected...and carbs now back in full working order!

[ducatiman]

these finished today for a fellow ninjette member. I can't get carbs any cleaner than this, as clean inside as out. Perfect setup, confirmed via wet test. Should bolt on and GO.

[ducatiman]

unusual one here...carb from a large Stihl hedgetrimmer. My services engaged to repair by a pro landscape service as it
was not able to start.

So....checked spark (ok), then carb apart, cleaned some goo, test start/run, tweaked the mix and idle screws. Now starting/running consistent. Called him back within 2 1/2 hours....DONE, at a very reasonable fee. In contrast, their normal repair shop suggested replacing the trimmer with a new one (at $250 thereabouts).

Saved an expense for them...hmm.....some repeat business on the horizon?

[DannoXYZ]

Such an unusual sight, thanks!

When I lived in Santa Barbara, the blue-hairs had banned all gas-powered gardening tools like leaf-blowers and trimmers.

[ducatiman]

Documented yet another copy cat carb kit screw-up. Note 25% diameter variation in float valves.

And kit with unmarked jets and needles....how do you know what they are providing? And if they screwed the float valves up....????.....a certain crapshoot.

Nope, I'll stick to my known, time proven vendors and restoring/reusing OEM tuning components, thanks.

Also found one ovaled main jet metering orifice in these 250's today....somebody in there with heavy wire or a drill bit long ago?

Anyways....provided needed components from my spares...predict these'll be reliable bolt-on runners.

[ducatiman]

EX500 , these gonna be ruffians. And yet another non start Stihl in the house (from same pro landscape service)

[SibSerge]

Originally Posted by ducatiman

EX500 , these gonna be ruffians. And yet another non start Stihl in the house (from same pro landscape service)

Bad Ethanol gas and lack of stabilizer (left unused for long time) ?

I have few Stihls and they are nice little engines. But I only run Shell premium (the only ethanol free gas in my area) always stabilized. I have been using some of them for 6 years at least , not draining the gas and never had issues so far. They start like new.

I had a float valve failure on one of my little hondas that I run the same gas through and when I opened the carb it was clean as new.

[ducatiman]

Pictured Stihl is not my property, but I'd guess the landscape crew gasses up at nearest, convenient gas station wherever their jobs bring them.
Fuel quality, type they use is out of my control, totally on them. They don't care, long as it runs and does the job. When it doesn't...out for repair it goes....thats where, evidently, I come in now.

[SibSerge]

Sounds like what I was thinking

Their negligence is your gain Gordon what is you price tag for rebuilding a carb like that ? I am asking out of curiosity as I am far away in Canada and the shipping is the killer. But I want to get an idea and compare it to what I was told here a price of 160CAD - about 120USD to rebuild my friends snowblower carb.

Originally Posted by ducatiman

Pictured Stihl is not my property, but I'd guess the landscape crew gasses up at nearest, convenient gas station wherever their jobs bring them.
Fuel quality, type they use is out of my control, totally on them. They don't care, long as it runs and does the job. When it doesn't...out for repair it goes....thats where, evidently, I come in now.

[ducatiman]

@SibSerge The couple of Stihls I've done so far for the 'scape service have required NO parts, just a process of discovering where the goop is hiding. A varnished float needle and seat on 1, and a badly plugged idle circuit and spark arrester (in exhaust) in the other ....cleared/cleaned as needed and bingo! Add some Lo-High carb adjustment tweaks....cold start in a couple pulls, idle steady, no stalls and mad revvers! Immediate 1 pull warm starts.

I can't offer input (other than my personal opinion) that the $120 quoted seems absurd.

[ducatiman]

today EX500...this to that

[DannoXYZ]

Wow!

[ducatiman]

Originally Posted by DannoXYZ

Wow!

TBH...the pictured body required replacement...the float valve seat was badly corroded, damage hidden by discoloration until full cleaning revealed. As we are messing with fuel here, no way I'd knowingly allow them into use....a sticking float valve the byproduct of seat damage....obvious, serious stuff confirmed in testing...fully justifying body replacement.

Thankfully, I had a perfectly usable salvage body here, enabling a reasonably priced repair and service....adjusted/ finally wet tested with perfect fuel levels and operable float valve. Back into service again!

[ducatiman]

another EX500 before/after

Blue RTV was used in unsuccessful attempt to prevent fuel rail leak. Upon inspection, found it cracked, again a salvage spare saved the day. No parts delays, and success...wet test revealed no more leakey.

And an Echo blower (no start) now in house from the 'scaper. I'm advised "no rush" on this one.

[ducatiman]

I'm currently researching, educating myself on small Walbro carbs...specifically WT410 carb in an Echo blower for the 'scape guy (this now my 3rd piece for them)

The model number scribed on an inner carb body surface, makes parts or replacement a breeze. Very affordable kits.

I've cleaned filters, inside of tank, spark plug (confirmed spark)....obvious this thing has sat dormant...aside from rock hard carb pump diaphragm and old consumables (justifying replacement) .... this thing will run. I've ordered a carb kit.

@SibSerge this may interest you.....as you were quoted $120 USD for a carb rebuild? A NEW Walbro carb is $68 USD on the 'bay for this Echo. Don't know exactly what you are working on there (need make/model of specific carb) but I'd steer clear of the place that quoted you (generally) 2x what a new carb would cost. And my carb kit was under $10 shipped.

[SibSerge]

Originally Posted by ducatiman

@SibSerge this may interest you.....as you were quoted $120 USD for a carb rebuild? A NEW Walbro carb is $68 USD on the 'bay for this Echo. Don't know exactly what you are working on there (need make/model of specific carb) but I'd steer clear of the place that quoted you (generally) 2x what a new carb would cost. And my carb kit was under $10 shipped.

Thank you Gordon, it was my bosses snowblower, it has a 4HP Briggs engine which was fairly new - just 3 years old but they put some ethanol non stabilized gas there and it sat for almost two years (we had a warm winter back then) next winter- no start. I have the same engine and it was also seating for the same time for the very same reason. It started from the first pull. But I completely drain the tank and use all the gas in the the bowl and I do use stabilizer and ethanol free gas.
At the end of the day he paid about 80US and bought another carb and sold the blower .

[ducatiman]

Unstabilized, left dormant 2 years, a non start should be expected, SOP. Running them out of fuel prior would at least provide a chance.

I'm guilty as well...an old Craftsman chainsaw sits a lot here, always requiring attention prior to infrequent use.

This Echo been left dormant quite a long time. I anticipate positive results when kit arrives. A resurrection of sorts, saving replacement for the 'scaper. From his business viewpoint, long equipment life important in keeping expenses down.

[ducatiman]

Servicing these tiny Walbro carbs tantamount to microsurgery, demanding completely different methods. Needing to go in deeper on these, I'm experiencing an ongoing learning curve.

250 carb circuits are gigantic in comparison. Some important circuit areas are hidden under blind plugs, careful removal/replacement required for access to these micro drillings.

Anyways...reinstall and start attempt on the Echo tomorrow. A pic or 2 of tiny components too.

Pic Walbro kit contents, intended for multiple applications. The larger 250 float valve vs tiny Walbro version (circled). These lack a float bowl....ports are used....setup done via pressure measurement .....specific diagnostic and special tools ordered, investment not a problem, will use going forward. Totally different ball game here.

[ducatiman]

Found clogged "check valve" (actually a main jet). These are pressed out of and into the carb body (rather than threaded)

Removed, disassembled, cleared/cleaned both fuel openings and *tiny* diaphragm. A 10mm socket shown for reference, note the black circle.
It gets captured into the valve...subject to intake/exhaust pulses, disallows or allows fuel passage, so the valve doubles as both a main jet and a plug on command. Simple, but so tiny, tricky to service.

These little carbs can go for up to $160.....so fix, avoiding replace.
Basic carb kit under $10!

My learning curve progressing...while keeping costs down for the 'scaper.

[SibSerge]

Originally Posted by ducatiman

Found clogged "check valve" (actually a main jet). These are pressed out of and into the carb body (rather than threaded)

Removed, disassembled, cleared/cleaned both fuel openings and *tiny* diaphragm. A 10mm socket shown for reference, note the black circle.
It gets captured into the valve...subject to intake/exhaust pulses, disallows or allows fuel passage, so the valve doubles as both a main jet and a plug on command. Simple, but so tiny, tricky to service.

These little carbs can go for up to $160.....so fix, avoiding replace.
Basic carb kit under $10!

My learning curve progressing...while keeping costs down for the 'scaper.

May I ask what rocket is using this kind of science?

[ducatiman]

A (formerly) non-running Echo backpack blower model # PB400E

These small 2 strokes not rocket science, but certainly different tech than used on a Keihin offa 250. This particular one was a bit beyond a simple carb clean/rebuild.

Learning their nuances is fun, interesting stuff, to me at least. The 'scaper keeping me busy too, no complaints there.

[ducatiman]

another task near completed today....1978 Honda CB400T carbset restoration......from this to that. A good days work.

[ducatiman]

Cracked spill pipe discovered on these ancient Keihins ....fabbed replacement to Honda spec pipe height, diameter and spill opening. Not bad, eh?

Cracked below the fuel line...would have been instant, constant, dangerous leakers. Repair imperative to progress.

[ducatiman]

42 year old Honda Keihin refurb now completed, OEM jetting restored, all new consumables, careful set up, wet tested, synched. Multiple issues all resolved. I predict bolt on runners, going back home to Alabama.

[ducatiman]

25 year old Ducati/Mikuni 900ss from...to. All new consumables, adjusted, synched ready to rock, bolt on runners.

[ducatiman]

Next up...mid 80's GL1200 Honda Gold Wing rack on the bench for refurb. Comprised of 4 older Keihin carbs....same brand as your 250!

Sure, carbs are *easy* (please note sarcasm)

[maverick9611]

my buddy with the 75 honda bobber is getting ready to pull his carbs for a rebuild. i let you know some months ago. he is almost there. i will let you know when he is ready to ship.

[ducatiman]

PM a'comin

[ducatiman]

Progress today, slow, careful disassembly. Many parts NLA on these 36 year old Keihins....any damage whatsoever to be avoided.

[ducatiman]

Kawasaki Bayou (single) carb finished today, major transformation, though i neglected to get an overall "before" pic. I believe it suffered from a sticking, non responsive float valve....received my usual multi-cleaning methods, all new consumables, and should react accordingly. SS hardware icing on the cake. as clean inside as out.

Pics....tuning components before, after. Gut shot and completed.....SAME DAY AS RECEIVED, I might add. Ready to go back home tomorrow.....24 hour service.

[ducatiman]

Undoubtedly the Mount Everest of carb refurb.... Gold Wing carbs. Making deliberate, slow headway, a bit complex.

[DannoXYZ]

Woohoo!!!

[ducatiman]

^ thanky big D. 1 of 4 getting there. Choke and throttle linkages on these understandably unique and a bit tricky.

[ducatiman]

4 down, reassembling, near done

[ducatiman]

1984 Honda Gold Wing carbset finished today, bolt on runners ready to go another 36 years!

Quite some complex emissions stuff on the underside, too.

[maverick9611]

great job gordon