Is this type of tool useful for cleaning jets?

Question

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/13/133/10115/ITEM/K-and-L-Carb-Cleaner-wire-Set.aspx
Or just a plain soak in carb cleaner works best?
I have the exhaust off and I notice that one cyl looks like it's leaner than the other 3. Had problems with jets clogged on this cylinder before and wonder if the jet is still slightly clogged?
Just wonder what works best.

Answer 1

Take a peice of eletrical wire, strip about 6 inches of the rubber off. Cut a single wire off and use that to probe into the jets then blow it out with a air compressor. The wire it made of copper which is soft metal so it wont hurt the pilot or main jet.

Answer 2

I have one and have used it.

I would recommend against using it, except as a last result.

The knurled wire could score the inside of pilot jets.

The best tool I've used, is a strand of wire from a wire brush.

Grab a strand with a pair of pliers and pull it out of the brush.

Push the wire into the jet until it hits the blockage.

Then grab the wire with pliers about 2mm from the jet.

Rotate the jet back and forth, so the wire will drill through the blockage.

Then move the pliers and repeat.

You can soak the jet in a cup of carb cleaner.

OR use carb cleaner in a spray can and spray through the jet.

Answer 3

Hey Bob,,



That thing is a generic Welding Tip Cleaner.

Used for cleaning oxy/acetylene torch tips.



If You WANT one,,,they are about $3~5 at any welding supply place.



Home Depot,Sears,etc should also have them.



They are rather agressive...cuz they are intended to scrape out Hard Carbon,,"glassified" brazing flux,,any iron or brass splatter which happens to stick to a torch tip.

All which is MUCH tuffer duty than carb jets.



If you DO use one in a Jet,,use a Distinctly SMALL one so's not to ream or scar the jet.



I own a buncha them,,,butt rarely use then for jet cleaning.

And even then ,,only Very Cautiously .



.....................................

Safer to use a Tooth Pick ,,after soaking the jets in carb cleaner.



I use bamboo skewers,,,they dont splinter and are much tuffer than wood.

They'll go down to damn near single fiber strand and remain stiff/strong enough to clean even tiniest jets



..............................

There's Lots of things which can cause visual signs of cyl imbalance.



Because street bikes spend so little of their their run-time at Full Throttle/under Full Load,,,

Any sign of Leanness is almost Certainly NOT indication of Main Jet .



More typically it's a partially clogged/block needle jet.

That part of the carb's metering system is the primary fuel path for the vast majority of most folks' engine's operational range.



They need to be removed from carb and Carefully Inspected,,Inside and out as well as the Hole in the carb where they live.



Good Luck





One more thing---"Fuel Additives" will eliminate the need.

Chevron's Techron,,,or SeaFoam both work excellent.



An Occasional tank of Chevron Premium will also keep carbs and engine very clean.

ALL modern gasoline includes cleaners,,,but Chevron's is proprietary,,and a Listed active ingredient.

Making it Consistent no matter When or Where ya buy it.

The Others,,,no telling WHAT you'll get,or how much...and next week it can be totally different.



If one pays extra,and perhaps even has to go outa their way to obtain a gasoline for "Therapeutic" purposes....

they need to be certain of what /how much they're getting to be assured the results are worth the effort/expense.

Chevron Premium simply gives that assurance.

No Hype,No bait & switch.

Answer 4

Never use anything metal in jets. You can use something like broom straw, fishing line, toothpick, etc. Also be careful of the high powered carb soaking products. I had a couple of badly gummed up carbs. The first had to soak one day and the other two days. It eroded the needle jet and then ran rich. I should have knocked them out first, but live and learn. If you have to knock out pressed in jets, get some oak dowel rod from a hardware store or lumberyard. It's hard enough to do the job but won't damage brass parts.

Answer 5

never use anything other than compressed air to clean jets...remember theres more than 1 jet per carb..lots of bikers forget about the idle jet[tiny one resessed with a strait blade screwdriver cutout in it..some can be tight..always remove jets and blow out with air,not forgetting to blow out the place your removed them from....if its lumpy on tickover its a dirty idle jet,if its rough when running its the main jet...hope this helps