Topic: Who's your Go-To carb guy?

[Scott S]

 I was lucky enough have Rick at Oldskool Carbs live in my town. He went through some personal issues, broke his wrist, and is sadly not doing carbs anymore.

 Can we get a list of reputable carb rebuilding guys/shops going?
  List name, location, prices if possible, your experience, a website or profile, etc.?

[grcamna2]

I have done many carbs over the years and don't like to separate them from the rack;never have yet.

[carnivorous chicken]

Myself. Worth learning DIY.

[HondaMan]

I do them: if I ever get my website back up it also shows it.

[BenelliSEI]

See the note above. For anyone that regularly visits this site, there’s your solution.

Years ago, Mike Nixon did a few sets of carbs for me, including a CBX. Anything he ever did just went on the bike and it then ran perfectly. Highly recommend.

After my 3rd or 4th Honda SOHC motorcycle, I bought an ultra sonic tank, Motion Pro Carb Synchronizer, a few small tools, and do it myself. Not hard and hugely satisfying. Lately I’ve had a local shop vapour blast the carb bodies for a really nice finish to the job. I’d encourage all of you to give it a try!

[Mark1976]

   Is Old School Carbs, San Jose  still in business?

[scottly]

Myself.

1+

[seanbarney41]

Myself.

1+

+2

[dave500]

+3

[Scott S]

 Every time I did 4 cylinder carbs myself, I had to pull them back off a few times! I decided that having Rick do them was worth the time and money. Choose your battles, ya know?

[rotortiller]

Me, myself and I lol

[madmtnmotors]

Every time I did 4 cylinder carbs myself, I had to pull them back off a few times! I decided that having Rick do them was worth the time and money. Choose your battles, ya know?

LOL! "A man's got to know his limitations"....

I've had carbs that were botched pretty badly by PO's that had no business fusing with tools, and I should know since I used to be one of them! Carb rebuilding is the ultimate level of zen when it comes to motorcycle repair that requires patience, attention to detail, and a bit of intestinal fortitude. Numerous small/fragile parts that are easily lost/broken with small screws that are easily stripped. I've gotten very good at carbs but I really don't like working on them... all the more reason to get it right the first time! 

[Deltarider]

[...] Carb rebuilding is the ultimate level of zen when it comes to motorcycle repair that requires patience, attention to detail, and a bit of intestinal fortitude. [...]

I have had my set on the table three times, mainly to satisfy my curiosity. Never had to separate them from the rack. Here's a link to the first of ten videos in which Gruzzel shows in detail the disassembly (3 parts) and reassembly (6 parts) of a set of oldstyle CB500 carbs. There is an extra on how to reinstall the rack on the bike. Each video is about 20 minutes. I hesitated to give the link because I cannot recommend to go as far as he has done. On the other hand, these videos are in-va-lua-ble to know more about the precise functioning of 627B, 649A, 022A, 087A and 069A carbs. BTW, the CB350F/400F carbs are very similar. Gruzzel's voice is soft and modest, a true relief after the loud bragging by self proclaimed experts in so many other videos. It was Zen how he has performed it and it is Zen to watch them.
The language is German, but the images speak for themselves and I estimate it is only a matter of time that AI will offer simultaneous translations in whatever language. These videos are the best I've seen on the subject and leave any manual far behind.
As said, I never had to separate mine and I don't foresee the necessity, but here's a link to the first of the serie anyway. At the end of each video the next one will start automatically. Enjoy!

[flybackwards]

Not having the patience or time to do a complete strip and rebuild anymore, I have had a few sets from Carburetor Keith on eBay - not cheap but very nicely restored and works perfect first time on the bike.

[WhyNot2]

Me...........

WhyNot.

Even repairing a broken float tower, using an old jet.

[richmagee7]

Do them myself.  It's not that hard at all but does require a little patience.  I'm often not good at the patience thing but rebuilding carbs gets me to slow down and relax.

[grcamna2]

Me...........

WhyNot.

Even repairing a broken float tower, using an old jet.

Thanks,that gives me an idea about replacing a float tower rather than getting it micro welded.

[WhyNot2]

Me...........

WhyNot.

Even repairing a broken float tower, using an old jet.

Thanks,that gives me an idea about replacing a float tower rather than getting it micro welded.

Cool..........................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad I could inspire.

[kerryb]

Myself.  First one was a complete strip of pd42b's.  Took a few tries but after 7 sets now they usually work first time now.  I still wince at $220 for a carb kit from Randakks, but they just work!  Worth the effort.

[seanbarney41]

Myself.  First one was a complete strip of pd42b's.  Took a few tries but after 7 sets now they usually work first time now.  I still wince at $220 for a carb kit from Randakks, but they just work!  Worth the effort.

This is partly why I don't mess with the PD's...most earlier cb750 round tops can be cleaned and over-hauled without replacing a single part.  If they need anything, it is just the fuel tee o-rings.  Very little to wear out in these carbs.

[grcamna2]

Me...........

WhyNot.

Even repairing a broken float tower, using an old jet.

Thanks,that gives me an idea about replacing a float tower rather than getting it micro welded.

Cool..........................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad I could inspire.

Yes,I would like to know how deep you drilled into the carb. body before tapping a hole to attach that part ?
I may consider using a type of small threaded piece similar to that pilot jet at some point in the future.
I'm scared of using a brass pilot jet like that because the lower threads on that jet are very weak;I broke a CB100 pilot jet like that one off inside it's carb. before & it didn't take much effort to break it 

[BenelliSEI]

Me...........

WhyNot.

Even repairing a broken float tower, using an old jet.

I have one of those! Will give it a try. Thanks!

[Really?]

I do them myself since I got a $800+ bill to do them on my old Yamaha (the first and last time). 

[jamesw]

I'll second Mike Nixon.

But like others have said, carbs are well worth doing yourself.

[BenelliSEI]

My buddy Gary got very frustrated with the carbs on his ‘75 GL1000 (at least 10 years ago) he sent them to a gentleman that was known as “Pistol Pete”, sadly no longer with us. After they were done, Pete had a “donkey motor” that he ran every set on and sync’d. We’ve never touched them since. He was a very cool guy…… I’m pretty sure he also restored the speedo and tach to perfection. Had a funny and entertaining website too.