Topic: How do you clean your carbs? Secrets? Techniques?

[woody1981]

I have decided that I might try my CB450 Carbs on my 350. I started dissembling them tonight... they really aren't that bad.

What I am wondering is does anyone have any special techniques to clean the carbs? I have removed the jets, needle, all the small bits. Can I just soak the small parts in a little bowl of carb cleaner? Should I not soak them? Should I clean them with pipe cleaners? Tips? Tricks?

Also, can I just soak the bodies? What is the best way to clean the outsides? Simple green and a brush? Soaking overnight submerged in carb cleaner or solvent?

Also, does anyone have any insight into what I might want to start out with for settings and or jets if I am going to use them on my 350? I have read several instances where people suggest running 450 carbs on the 350... mostly regarding vintage racing... but I have not been able to find anything regarding setup.

Also, I am now running the open CL350 headers, so that is a consideration for jets... they has the stock 450K5 setup in them now, a 145 and a 38.

Thanks for your tips!!!

- Woody

[kirkn]

Hey, Woody,

I answered the cleaning part of your question over on the Hondatwins forum.

Good luck with 'em.

Kirk

[woody1981]

Thanks for the advice... that's fantastic information.

I ordered new seals/gaskets/o-rings for the carbs last night. The carbs really aren't that bad at all inside... I just have never had them apart, but overall I am please. I just figure I'll clean them up and put them back together. I'm gonna try the stock 450 jetting first and see what happens.

If I do have to re-jet, do you think I will just have to change the main jet only? Or will I have to change them all? I can get this kit from Sirius Consolidated that gives me the whole set. SIZES 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160. Please pardon my ignorance when it comes to carb tuning... i've grown up in the age of fuel-injection.

- Woody

[low-side]

I don't know what other mods you've done to your 350, but if it's stock with open headers those sizes are probably too large.  You might look at your old carbs, but I think stock was 100s or 110s.

[woody1981]

I am contemplating trying my CB450 Carbs (I have an extra set) on the 350. The stock jets in the 450 carbs are a 145 and 38. That kit only goes down to a 130 main jet. I am really not sure where to start. I have read about racers using 450 carbs on their 350s, but I can't find and hard data as to setup.

I thought that stock jetting for a 450 might be close for my 350 with open headers and cone filters.

Can anyone offer any advice?

- Woody

I don't know what other mods you've done to your 350, but if it's stock with open headers those sizes are probably too large.  You might look at your old carbs, but I think stock was 100s or 110s.