Carburettor overhaul — general information (Honda Africa Twin 750, 1989-2003) [Engine and systems: Fuel and exhaust systems]

1. Poor engine performance, hesitation, hard starting, stalling, flooding and backfiring are all signs that major carburettor maintenance may be required.

2. Keep in mind that many so-called carburettor problems are really not carburettor problems at all. but mechanical problems within the engine or ignition system or other electrical malfunctions. Try to establish for certain that the carburettors are in need of maintenance before beginning a major overhaul.

3. Check the fuel tap and strainer, the fuel and vacuum hoses, the intake manifold joint clamps, the air filter, the ignition system, the spark plugs, valve clearance and carburettor synchronisation before assuming that a carburettor overhaul is required.

4. Most carburettor problems are caused by dirt particles, varnish and other deposits which build up in and block the fuel and air passages. Also, in time, gaskets and O-rings shrink or deteriorate and cause fuel and air leaks which lead to poor performance.

5. When overhauling the carburettors, disassemble them completely and clean the parts thoroughly with a carburettor cleaning solvent and dry them with filtered, unlubricated compressed air. Blow through the fuel and air passages with compressed air to force out any dirt that may have been loosened but not removed by the solvent.

Once the cleaning process is complete, reassemble the carburettor using new gaskets and O-rings.

6. Before disassembling the carburettors, make sure you have all necessary O-rings and other parts, some carburettor cleaner, a supply of clean rags, some means of blowing out the carburettor passages and a clean place to work. It is recommended that only one carburettor be overhauled at a time to avoid mixing up parts.

Carburettor overhaul — general information (Honda XRV750 Africa Twin)