I'm attempting to clean and regasket a carb out of a 12 year old Kawasaki Mule. It had gotten so hard to start and keep running (it mostly sits parked unused), I finally decided this was a first step to rehab it (after cleaning out the fuel tank and filter).

Any advice on cleaning it up. I've got it apart and ready to soak it. Kit is on the way. Is lacquer thinner a suitable soak agent? Do I need to polish the seats with lapping compound, or is a long soak enough to remove any deposits? Tia!

Cross posted on Automotive, but realized this is likely a better place to ask.

I don't know if they still sell it but MEK will clean the crap out of a carb. Just make sure there are no plastic or Bakelite parts on the carb parts that will get soaked.

Pro tip: Don't breath that stuff and don't leave the container open as it will evaporate pretty quickly. The carb soaking stuff they sell at the auto parts stores anymore is pretty weak sauce.

I use Brake Kleen for cleaning carbs. Make sure you take the jets out and visually inspect/look through them to verify that they are clean and free of buildup. You may need to take a wire brush and manually clean the jets even after soaking in cleaner.

Might want to also check cost of just getting a new carb off of Amazon if you haven't already. Although, doing that isn't nearly as much "fun".

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I use Brake Kleen for cleaning carbs. Make sure you take the jets out and visually inspect/look through them to verify that they are clean and free of buildup. You may need to take a wire brush and manually clean the jets even after soaking in cleaner.

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+1
Rebuild is easy. Use spray carb cleaner and make sure the jets are clean and the needle seat looks good. Might need a new bowl gasket. Kits should be available. Just use or premium or nonethenal fuel and it will prevent later issues.

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I use Brake Kleen for cleaning carbs. Make sure you take the jets out and visually inspect/look through them to verify that they are clean and free of buildup. You may need to take a wire brush and manually clean the jets even after soaking in cleaner.

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+1
Rebuild is easy. Use spray carb cleaner and make sure the jets are clean and the needle seat looks good. Might need a new bowl gasket. Kits should be available. Just use or premium or nonethenal fuel and it will prevent later issues.

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I heard recently about somewhere that will be offering non-ethanol gas, but don't remember where.

For a 12 yr old carb I'd look at a new one. Then use fuel treatment from the get go.

It has few hours of actual use. Less than twenty, I suspect. Anyway, kits on the way, and it's disassembled, so I'm committed to this course of action, but thanks anyway.

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Might want to also check cost of just getting a new carb off of Amazon if you haven't already. Although, doing that isn't nearly as much "fun".

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Yea go new.

Mules are finicky and i find it best to let someone who is good at working on them adjust the carbs. If kids are not riding, i remove the circuit that lets you start it in gear.

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Might want to also check cost of just getting a new carb off of Amazon if you haven't already. Although, doing that isn't nearly as much "fun".

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Yea go new.

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I hafta believe those of you suggesting this just aren't mechanically inclined, or you'd know this carburetor is very basic and simple, with few moving parts to "wear out". It's not worn out.

Again, the carb's torn down, and a kit is enroute. I was basically asking for confirmation that lacquer thinner is an appropriate solvent to use, along with any other tips. Starting over is always an option, but not until there's an obvious need to do so, which there isn't now.

I've had good luck using a gallon jug of carb cleaner that you can pick up at at an auto parts store. On a carb that old, it would definitely benefit from soaking for a while.

http://m.advanceautoparts.com/h5/r/shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/gunk-carburetor-parts-cleaner-complete-kit-cc3k/7040709-P

I agree I'm not mechanical. Just buy new.

For motorcycle carbs that are gummed up I just pull the jets out, spray carb cleaner through them and then compressed air from the compressor hose (hold on tight or you'll have a missile on your hands than you'll never find). Then do the same for all orifices in carb and clean out all gummed up stuff. Reassemble with new gaskets, reinstall and then vroom.

For cleaning the jets, use the wire inside a bread tie. Works great for small engines. Don't need a new one usually.

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Might want to also check cost of just getting a new carb off of Amazon if you haven't already. Although, doing that isn't nearly as much "fun".

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Yea go new.

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I hafta believe those of you suggesting this just aren't mechanically inclined, or you'd know this carburetor is very basic and simple, with few moving parts to "wear out". It's not worn out.

Again, the carb's torn down, and a kit is enroute. I was basically asking for confirmation that lacquer thinner is an appropriate solvent to use, along with any other tips. Starting over is always an option, but not until there's an obvious need to do so, which there isn't now.

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Ha! You post the same message on two different boards asking for advice. If you're so inclined then why did you feel the need?

I've built engines way more advanced than this one and rebuilt quite a few old parts. My advice was given with that in mind. If you're trying to save money that's one thing. By all means rebuild the old carb and put the work in. Nothing wrong with that.

I just know that personally, if I have parts that have been subjected to what you've subjected yours to, I buy new and start over in the name of quality. To each his own.

It's 12 years old so buy new?

My mule is that old. Drill out the plugs over the air screws while you have it apart. When you get it back together you will be able to set the low and high sides for idling and also running (performance). Made all the difference in the world and corrected my issues (hard to start; would not idle; poor performance; would die when you put it in gear). I doubt the carb is worn out.