CARBURETOR CLEANING, REBUILDING, AND JETTING

Professional, meticulous & thorough is how we rebuild certain vintage motorcycle carburetors from the 1960s, 70s & 80s..
Below are several examples of the variety & scope of
carburetors we've worked on.  Also, a common
petcock/fuel valve issue is explained - please see below. 
We limit our rebuilding to vintage street bikes carbs only.
Shown is a pair of Kehin Kawasaki jet ski
carburetors to improper winter storage
Sorry, we don't service watercraft
BEFORE: Here's what happened to a pair of Amals carburetors on a 1972 Triumph Bonneville T120R.           TOP
This is what can happen when there's a reaction between
aluminum, rotten fuel & moisture.
AFTER:  A thorough cleaning, re-finishing, and new parts are what we call a "Carburetor Rebuild".
INSTALLED:  What a lovely rebuilt Amal 636!
Pity the customer requested we reuse the intake manifold.
PRICING FOR CARBURETOR REBUILDING
Sorry, we don't service watercraft

* All prices shown are "off the bike" 
* On the bike = +.5 to 1 hour to remove & reinstall
* Turn around time 4 to 8 weeks

  • 1 carb  = 1.5 hours*  = $135 + parts
  • 2 carbs = 2.5 hours* = $225 + parts
  • 3 carbs = 3.5 hours* = $315 + parts
  • 4 carbs = 4.5 hours* = $405 + parts

Our hourly labor rate is $90

PARTS PRICING ~ parts only for carburetors we are repairing.  We do not sell parts to the general public
  • Carburetor kits = $30 and up. Amal $60+
  • Floats, plastic or brass = $10 and up
  • Main or Pilot jet, Amal = $22
  • Needle = $15 & up
  • British tickler conversion kit = $12
  • Carburetor intake boots = $15 - $25 each

*Tampering, damage to carburetor bowls (warping) or other parts of the carburetor, prior use of incorrect or non-standard parts or unprofessional repair work requiring additional servicing will increase stated labor hours

SHIPPING A CARBURETOR TO US?
Contact us BEFORE shipping - we don't work on all carburetors.  When shipping, include:
  * your full name + mailing address
  * daytime phone number
  * email address
  * year/make/model of the bike the carb is from
  * $90 non-refundable estimate fee paid via check, PayPal, or call us with credit card information
  * Turn around time is 6 - 8 weeks
* if replacement of the carburetor is the only option, we will inform you & return the carburetor minus $45 for handing + the cost for shipping & insurance
BEFORE: Here's a pair of Amal 932's from a "running" 1974 Norton Commando 850.  Running, but not well.    TOP
AFTER: Deep cleaning, fresh parts, and detailed assembly = 2 beautiful looking & perfectly functional Amals
Think the gasoline in your carburetor bowls can't go bad in
only 3 weeks? 
Think again!

Click Here
for Randy's Blog regarding Ethanol
AFTER: Clean, shiny, and good as new!
BEFORE: Mikuni carburetors from a 1999 Yamaha Waverunner 1200 XLT.  Salt water can be very harsh.  TOP
AFTER: Durable paint really makes an impact.
Randy rebuilding a set of 4 carburetors from a
1987 Honda Magna VF700
BEFORE: The Keihin carburetor from a 1974 Honda XL 125.  Not a pretty sight.                                        TOP
AFTER:  Clean, beautiful, and ready to provide reliable service.
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Revitalize the Spirit & Beauty of your Classic Bike
                                  A set of 4 carburetors from a 1992 Honda CB750 Nighthawk                                TOP
Here we are correcting a home mechanic's attempt at rebuilding the carbs from his 1981 Honda GL500 Silverwing. 
To save money & time, it really pays to have a professional do the work.  Plus, while we had the bike in our shop, we found hidden under the side cover 3 tiny bubbles under the paint on his fuel tank.  These are the beginning signs of rust.  The owner didn't notice them when he removed the carbs only 1 month earlier.
Note the double gaskets   
Different needle valves - 1 was homemade
All the parts before cleaning
                                      Rebuilding 4 carburetors on a 1980 Honda CB900C                                         TOP
Randy is seen here correcting the carb work done by the owner of a 1977 Honda GL1000 Goldwing. The problems we found were inconsistent float levels, a torn o-ring (intake manifold seal), plugged primary & secondary air jets, and debris that was found in one of the carbs.  Replacement of a damaged needle, 4 kidney-shaped gaskets & the intake manifold seal were required along with a proper, professional carburetor rebuild.
Examples of our Carburetor Work

TOP
TOP
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Here's an example of why we don't purchase or use "cheap" petcocks/fuel valves.  Cheap ones use a rubber sleeve/seal on the inside.  When the sleeve comes in contact with Ethanol gasoline, it swells.  See picture 1. 

In picture 2, the swollen sleeve is on the left while a new, UK made petcock is on the right.  Instead of low-quality rubber, the UK petcocks use a nylon or metal sleeve that's doesn't suffer the same problems as the rubber sleeves.
Picture 1 - swollen seal
Picture 2
Swollen seal             New UK Petcock
                   Rebuilding 2 Amal carburetors from a 1977 Triumph Bonneville T120V                       TOP
Randy synchronizing the four carburetors on a
1975 Honda GL 1000 Goldwing
What we do when we re-build a carburetor
  • Total disassembly of the carburetor
  • Complete & thorough inner & outer cleaning the carburetor body & all parts
  • Provide correct, quality aftermarket or OEM rebuild parts as a kit or purchased individually from manufacture
  • Perform repairs such as milling warped carburetor bowls or bodies & float crack repair.  (Additional charge of .15 to .25 hour labor.  Labor $90 hr.)
  • Bench test the carburetor for leaks
  • Photos of the rebuild emailed to you showing the before, during, and after
Website created and managed by Ursulina Creel.  Comments? Send to info@rcycle.com
This page was last updated on: May 17, 2012
Website & video content is the property of Randy's Cycle Service & Restoration & may not be used for any reason without prior, written permission.
                   Cleaning & replacing bowl gaskets on a 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing                       TOP
This is what can happen to a petcock's rubber seal when it's been subjected to 10% ethanol gasoline for only 2 weeks.
 
On the British bikes we service or restore, we ONLY use UK petcocks that do not use rubber parts.

Click HERE for a link to a website that lists US & Canadian gasoline stations that do not use ethanol added gasoline.

Link posted February 24, 2011
Bench testing four carburetors from a
1974 Honda CB750 K4

Bench testing checks for leaks & other issues
Randy synchronizing the carburetors on a
1974 Honda CB750 K4
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                                 Cleaning & Rebuilding Amal carburetors on a 1969 BSA Rocket III                        TOP
Located in beautiful Central Virginia since 2001

8175 Black Walnut Run Road, Rhoadesville, VA 22542 USA

Service by Appointment ~ Closed Sunday & Monday
(540) 854-0689  //  info@rcycle.com

The Mid-Atlantic Region Premier Restorer of Vintage Motorcycles
Celebrating 11 years Servicing Fine Vintage Motorcycles
                                 Cleaning, Rebuilding & Repair of carburetors on 1974 Honda CL450 K6                TOP
Before
Float was found to have 2 cracks.  They were repaired.
After cleaning, rebuilding & polishing

NOTE: final tuning of the carburetor is the responsibility of the customer.  We bench test but fine tuning can only be done once the carburetor is on the bike.