78 KZ 1000 B2 LTD Carb Clean up

Hey there, and thank you for your help so far.

While I'm waiting on MC parts I decided to clean up the frame and paint it where the MC leaked. While messing around I noticed the throttle is really stiff almost to the point it wont move. I thought i was the cables. I loosened the adjusters and removed the cables from the carbs. Well the issue is in the carbs not cables. So I have removed the carbs. On the bench I pulled the tops and fuel bowls, soaked everything down with carb cleaner and found number 2 slide stuck. After some very gentle persuasion I was able to get it freed up.

What can or should i do to ensure they are as clean as possible without tearing them down.I'm not comfortable doing a complete rebuild, and I would have no way to re-sync them. I just want to clean thoroughly replace the top and float caskets and put them back on the bike.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationIf the slide was corroded enough to be stuck, then I think a cleaning/rebuild is in your future. The varnish that stuck the slide is likely in all the passageways and ports and will need to be cleaned out for the bike to run properly. Its not difficult, follow the manual, take your time, and don't force anything. I personally like boiling carbs, but there are tons of ways to clean them. If you removed the slide its going to need a sync. The sync can be had for $80 shipped which is what most shops would charge for an hour of time, Its easy to do and you can sync bikes forever. I sync my 650 every 2000 miles and it runs flawlessly, and starts VERY easily. There is a lot of support here.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationThank you Doc... The slide does not appear to be corroded. I'd guess the needle was stuck by varnish. I didn't have to remove the slide. I soaked it with carb cleaner, Removed the throttle return spring and gently worked the throttle pulley and it came free. Found a kit on ebay would you take a chance on it. Or where would you suggest I get one.

I wouldn't buy the kit until you break down the carbs and see whats going on in there. You may need the kit, or the parts could be in good shape and just need some new gaskets. I still think if there was enough fuel varnish to stick the slide its gonna be an issue elsewhere, so you will probably need to break them down and clean them either way. clean carb = happy bike

I'll never understand why folks buy carb kits. Have those folks found that all those brass pieces are broken? How could that happen? I would just clean everything up, replace the bowl gaskets, and ride. Also, do NOT mix up the parts between the carbs. Keep all the parts for each carb with that same carb. Ed

I would have to agree with Ed on this. I found out the hard way on my 650. I bought the rebuild kits that did all 4 carbs with the same size pilot and main jets as was in the carbs. Cleaned all the passage ways up and reassembled the carbs. After I got it back together and started I noticed right away something was not right. After syncing the carbs and a very poor short ride I took the carbs back apart to do some checking. What I found out is the pilot jets said they were the same size they were not and the same with the main jets as well. I also noticed the needles had different tapers as well. I ended up cleaning all of the old parts and put it back together and the bike has been running great ever since. So if it were me…unless there are parts missing or broken I just clean and reuse.
Ty

Thanks for the advise. The carbs are intact, nothing broken or missing. I was thinking they would need new needle and seats because of my past experience with small engine carbs and the way the needles wear down and don't adjust right. I'm more then happy to just clean up what i have and put them back together.

the float needles can wear and could need replacing but there is no point in buying new parts until you take a look in there

DoctoRot wrote: the float needles can wear and could need replacing but there is no point in buying new parts until you take a look in there

Great advice!!! Thanks