Vintage bikes are cool. There is no other way to describe it. One , two, three, even four cylinders makes no difference. The old style, air cooled engine with many core components. The sounds and smells of a vintage bike are something that just puts a smile on my face. It sparks questions from passers by, from enthusiasts, from kids , and from those that have a strong memory of the bike they or their friend had. There is one word that , those of us with an old bike know well. CARBS..
The Core
The heart of the engine might be the spark and piston, but the brains of the old engine is most definetly the carburetor. The complex maze of holes, valves, jets, bowls, and screws. The core component to a good running engine is a carb. And better yet, a clean carb.
Whether you are just getting started with a newly found bike or have one that you’ve been riding for a year . One search term you will be looking up will be “CLEANING CARBS”. A somewhat complex task that involves patience, organization, and focus.
Sputtering and Coughing
The fuel we use contains additives, cleaners, and ethanol. Even in a regularly used bike, these new, fancy fuels, will find a way to gum up or clog holes. Pilot jets, needle jets, air jets, and even main jets are clog prone. I have detailed the initial efforts required to bring back the old Suzuki that i currently ride. One symptom that you may experience is a misfire, a cough. The lack of either fuel or air making into the firing chamber. You will have to put your detective hat on and review systems. Pulling the spark plugs to check for lean or rich conditions. You may even question fancy components like your coils or spark plug wires. Eventually though, you’ll have to do it. PULL THE CARBS. You may be tempted to half ass it and just spray cleaner into the intake. Maybe even put cleaner into the gas tank . This may help you a bit, but if you want your bike to run like it it was mean to, you need all those holes, passages, and jets to be spotless. Clean. You will need carb cleaner and even a dip. One of the best ways to really break down build up on those tiny parts is to let it soak. The ultimate DIY task it to clean your carbs. Don’t be afraid of it. Keep riding!
