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C10 Carburetor Cleaning and Rebuilding

fthoffman1487

fthoffman1487

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14078
I'm considering jumping into a cleaning a rebuild of the carbs on my 2005 C10 with 36,000 miles on it. That is unless any of you can suggest a reliable source to do it for me if I pull the carbs and send them to whomever.
In doing some initial research for what I'll need I saw these rebuild kits on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Carburetor-K...-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

They look very complete, and a lot more parts than some other sources offer, but I'm a little concerned about the cheap price for a set of 4 kits at $34.99. Probably Chinese made. I think China is getting a lot better in some of their quality, but dtill have a way to go.
 
I used an inexpensive kit from Amazon along with float bowls with overflow tubes. Parts for the most part identical to
the OEM replaced. The exception being the jets where the were some differences. Would not surprise me to learn they parts are same as OEM. Kawasaki been using off Japan manufacturing for many years. Changing to overflow tubes could save your ride and or rebuilding petcock. Great info in library. Oh yeah that vintage have fuel line on hand especially 8mm/5/16 the feed line will have hardened up by now. I’m about to set mine up with quick releases, TPU lines and a filter.
QR to facilitate tank removal and filter exchange. On first rebuild, (I figure it will take three to get correct) worked awesome but had some floats stick autopsy revealed crap from fuel tank. Tank looked clean…..thus a filter in order and ease of tank removal on a bike where you’ll be de-tanking for service. TPU lines clear so monitoring flow easy and less kinking issues with filter. I’ll be assembling soon and will post PICTs. Do the process correctly, separate the carbs and invest in an ultra sound cleaner and gauge set for synchronization when done.
 
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Last time I had a conversation with anyone in the know at mama Kaw, their carb parts are still made in Japan. If they go anywhere I'd bet on them going to Thailand . I've had the opportunity to carry those same units you see on Ebay , and I have some samples here. The kits we put together have hardened stainless float needles, a change we made on the suggestion of Steve of Shoudabeen Eng. Carbs are an area where close enough may not be what ya need...
 
I’d hadn’t considered quick release for the tank. That’s smart. Especially if you don’t carry a full kit.
I was referring to the fuel line QR available. With 90 degree fittings. You must disconnect fuel lines to remove tank.
With the low pressure in float fuel does stainless seal as well as rubber against brass? Should I’d think and SS won’t degrade like rubber does over time, though some formulations will oxidize slightly with acids like those formed by old ethanol. I do think part of the sticky float scene I experienced on try one was due to glop on chamber the float needle rides in. TPS fuel line is great stuff if you get the “good” stuff. I learned about it with small engines and dirt bikes. Seems to be easier to work with than rubber. Maybe lasts longer though I’m in the habit of changing fuel lines. Often handy to have a visual on fuel flow. I believe the motion pro line carried by Murph is TPU. He’s for sure got the right stuff. I’ll probably try SS float needles myself on try three.
Personally, I’ve learned by experience the Asian produced goods are generally good stuff in the last few years. Not always the case, and if you seek junk you can find it. Many Honda products are made in Thailand for quite awhile. BMW, KTM in India Vietnam is a player too. It’s a situation in flux as traditional manufacturers have lost the abilty to compete in the labor market for goods production. It will be in flux for sometime as the need for labor declines with innovations in manufacturing. All with the labor pool increasing dramatically World wide. It’s a crazy world.
When I started out as a Tech in the 70s the catch phrase was “Jap Crap” with the sentiment that they were producing junk. As newbie tech I was assigned to work on “the crap”. Quickly figured out it was a falsehood. The Japanese stuff was quite well made and engineered. Very much like the Germans they copied at first. Never trust the marketers or what “everybody” says.
 
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I found your write up quite invaluable Bob, thanks for that hard work. It was much easier to get those carbs out of the hole the second time, I used regular rubber lube on the head side to facilitate in and out. Second time I tried successfully to get the stack out, up and over before removing throttle pull cable. Made much easier. Angled quick disconnects, TPU fuel line, clamps and a fuel filter arrived today. Hoping to set up to be able to swap out a filter easy on the road. As well as remove tank easy. Now to get in and install the stack, fire up and see if no leaky, hopefully runs as well as did try one. No leaky I’ll get to ride gingerly on bald tires. Then decide whether to keep going or sell. More and more bicycle in my life not sure I wish to add a carbed moto that won’t get ridden much but one ride will answer that.
 
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