Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Can I clean my carbs with Kerosene? Can I clean my carbs with Kerosene?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Posts: 301
Can I clean my carbs with Kerosene?
My book says not use commercial carb cleaner, cos

Quote:
'the exterior of most motorcycle carbs is usually coated with a corrosion-protective clear coating. These (commercial carb cleaners) will remove the protective coating from the surface of the carb body"

Again, very helpfully the book then only says to use: "a good grade of cleaning solvent"

What the...?


These (spare set) carbs are very, very manky and disgusting... I had to CARVE the hoses off the nipples, cos they were welded on permanently with gunk.
__________________

Some great quote about hard core travel that nobody has said yet.[/URL]
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 236
hey
hey, not sure about carbs, but I read an article written by a motorcycle manufacturer relating to disk brakes; he said usually if they spill WD40 on disk brake pads, they bin 'em,on the disk themselves they use kerosene to remove.
Usually petrol/kerosene are the best cleaning products. I use to use unleaded to clean my vespa air filter. Kerosene is a solvent, and can be used to treat haed lice, so I think your carbs should be safe.

good luck
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Jun 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
'Carb Cleaner' is not for cleaning the outside of carbs, use a standard motorcycle degreaser like crud-off or warm soapy water. Carb cleaner is for cleaning the internal parts and normally works by you spraying it into the air intake when the engine is running - it then pulls through the carbs and does its stuff. If you are taking the carbs apart and cleaning the components I would recommend petrol, especially for cleaning the diaphragm if it has one, butterfly carbs do, slide carbs don't as far as I can tell from ones I have dismantled.....

Crucially remember the golden rule if you dismantle them, righty tighty - lefty loosey!!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Jun 2009
wolfzero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: uk
Posts: 434
i'd say clean them with whatever is required to get them clean you can re apply a protective coating using a silicone spray

tommy what year bikes are affected by head lice
__________________
XT 630 SUPERMOTO

GSXR750L KMX200

RF900 & GSX400X Impulse Projects
3.9 V8 Rangerover
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 236
Quote:
tommy what year bikes are affected by head lice
nope, but I do have a family of spiders nesting behind the head light lol
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Jun 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: petersfield, england
Posts: 16
That reminds me, when in Mexico and a crowd of kids form around your bike, wanting to take pictures of themselves sitting on your bike.... Don´t let them where your helmet!!!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Jun 2009
wolfzero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: uk
Posts: 434
Quote:
Originally Posted by tommysmithfromleeds View Post
nope, but I do have a family of spiders nesting behind the head light lol
i've got em on my gsxr spiders that is and they never learn as when i've been out for a blast they have to start webbing all over again
__________________
XT 630 SUPERMOTO

GSXR750L KMX200

RF900 & GSX400X Impulse Projects
3.9 V8 Rangerover
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Jun 2009
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Given the contents of your Snap-On toolbox, I'd have thought nail-varnish remover might be more to hand.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Posts: 301
Quote:
Originally Posted by tommysmithfromleeds View Post
Kerosene is a solvent, and can be used to treat haed lice, so I think your carbs should be safe.

good luck

Phew.

Just as well you didn't swap the letters round in the word 'carbs' as well...

I would have been DEEPLY offended.
__________________

Some great quote about hard core travel that nobody has said yet.[/URL]
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Posts: 301
Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfzero View Post
i've got em on my gsxr spiders that is and they never learn as when i've been out for a blast they have to start webbing all over again
ROFLMHO!!!!

Wow, I secretly fancied Wolfie to be one of those blokes who 'rides 'em like he stole 'em'...

Now I see he's so pedestrian, the spiders make cobwebs on his bike! I can't get the picture out of my head!!





(Only teasing... I found 2 spiders in the BRAKE CALIPERS of the bike I'm 'restoring' at the moment... I've named them Eliot and Sebastian... )
__________________

Some great quote about hard core travel that nobody has said yet.[/URL]
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 20 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 236
thats quite hilarious

eliot and sebastian are good names. mine are called fred, simon and 'squashed' boris. he didnt see that one coming.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 20 Jun 2009
wolfzero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: uk
Posts: 434
Quote:
Originally Posted by XT GIRL View Post
ROFLMHO!!!!
Wow, I secretly fancied Wolfie to be one of those blokes who 'rides 'em like he stole 'em'...
Now I see he's so pedestrian, the spiders make cobwebs on his bike! I can't get the picture out of my head!!

(Only teasing... I found 2 spiders in the BRAKE CALIPERS of the bike I'm 'restoring' at the moment... I've named them Eliot and Sebastian... )
they build the webs while i'm at work and funny you should say ride like its stolen, i had stolen not recovered put on the number plate on the xt cos i'd bought it with no documents
__________________
XT 630 SUPERMOTO

GSXR750L KMX200

RF900 & GSX400X Impulse Projects
3.9 V8 Rangerover
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 20 Jun 2009
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Yamaha Carb Cleaner
This is the secret weapon of a lot of fellow members of the VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club). I have about 20 bikes in my shed, many of them arrived as fungused up lumps of crud. The carbs generally are a mess of ali corrosion and long dried fuel varnish.

The secret-squirrel trick with the Yamaha Carb Cleaner is NOT to follow instructions. Mix it 50/50 with water and simmer the carb, as dismantled as you can get it, for about twenty minutes in an old pot or paint can, over your camp stove please as the smell is a bit rich for inside. The wash with water and dry with compressed air if you have it, otherwise metholated spirits will dry it out inside, if you couldn't get it apart. I did a carb off a '63 pushrod Honda Cub C50 last week, and the thing works perfectly again and looks like new. Doesn't even touch any rubber seals. Cleans out all those little fuel galleries.

Keep the mixture and reuse. I have only just ordered a new bottle of cleaner, even though the stuff I have is about 6 years old and done about 15 carbs. It still works, but is getting a bit thick!

Cheers

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Posts: 301
Nigel!

Now THAT's the kind of advice that pleases me!

I don't get to rebel much against the system in my day-to-day life, so blatantly defying manufacturer's instructions fills me with glee!


And I get to do some COOKING!!!


I'm off to get some cookable carb cleaner (not the aerosol stuff). Will report back on any mishaps, burnt pots or exploding bits. Yipeee!


Wolfie... those spiders are amazing... either that - or I pity the long hours you have to work!

And... shhhh...bout the swap... you never know whose listening.
__________________

Some great quote about hard core travel that nobody has said yet.[/URL]
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 22 Jun 2009
wolfzero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: uk
Posts: 434

lol the xt is perfectly legal i just had to apply for the docs from the dvla

the spiders are fast workers i only do 7.5 hours a day
the webs are the least of my worries its the rest of the polishing on the gixxer thats a pain
__________________
XT 630 SUPERMOTO

GSXR750L KMX200

RF900 & GSX400X Impulse Projects
3.9 V8 Rangerover
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
1VJ, 3AJ carbs on a 34L OK? Lamin Sambou Yamaha Tech 2 19 Mar 2009 01:27
Kerosene and white gas (Coleman Fuel) Warthog Camping Equipment and all Clothing 2 2 Aug 2008 22:03
Carbs captain haddock Yamaha Tech 2 23 Nov 2006 16:13
will carbs fit? DAVSATO Yamaha Tech 0 6 May 2003 03:40
EFI vs CARBS TONY BRAICO Which Bike? 6 6 Jan 2003 03:30

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:48.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top