Triumphrat

MikeinLA · 03-07-2007

Hi guys. Well I've had a shoulder injury that kept me from riding for several months and not knowing when it would stop hurting, I never put any fuel stabilizer in the tank. Now my bike runs like $%&# and I am sure that the carbs are clogged. So I'm looking at my spiffy Haynes manual on how to disassemble the carbs and clean them and I'm thinking "I could do that". Now, I should say that I have NO automotive or mechanical experience, but I am pretty handy. I have replaced plumbing and installed instruments, pumps and such on boats, fixed plumbing & electric things around the house and am not afraid to try. So my question is, is this something a reasonably conscientious person can do? My option is to have the bike taken to the dealer who is about a zillion miles away or find a nearby generic bike wrencher. Truthfully, I would like to get to know the bike better so when people talk about re-jetting I wouldn't get that "Huh?" look on my face. So, how tough is it? Also, would it be worth running carb cleaner through it for 100 miles? Does that stuff work?

Thanks, Mike :hammer:

MikeinLA · 03-07-2007

One more thing. I know that any gaskets or O-rings should be replaced when reassembling. Is there a rebuild kit available from Triumph or can I get this stuff at a parts store?

Mike

BlueBird · 03-07-2007

How long has your bike been sitting?

I haven't worked on my carbs yet, but will, eventually. It seems like quite a few people here do fiddle with their bike quite a bit, so it can't be too hard.

SCCTrim · 03-07-2007

Get yourself some seafoam, I hear alot of good stuf about it.

Should you need to tear into the carbs, you shouldnt have any real issues. It's like anything else, easier the 2nd time.

Jimbonnie · 03-07-2007

Dropping the float bowls (four screws each) and removing the main, pilot jet, and idle screw needle are all easy. But be very care full when removing the idle screw needle because there is a little spring and tiny o-ring that will want to fly away.

But before you do that, or even if you do that, buy some good quality fuel system cleaner, dump it in your tank, and ride around some. You might find it clears things up.

Geoff · 03-07-2007

yeah, i'd dump all the old gas then run clean fuel and seafoam thru it-use the small drains on the bottom of the float bowls to get rid of all suspect fuel
G

merlin · 03-07-2007

Yeah, betcha you really don't really have to do this teardown. I didn't 'have to' alot of things, just couldn't help myself.

DrEnglish · 03-07-2007

I think it's easy to work on the carbs. Important thing is to work in clean conditions and pay attention to how things come apart so you can put 'em back together correctly.

grayghost · 03-07-2007

A few tips if you are going to do this (especially the first time)

1. No interruptions (kids, neighbour chatting in your ear)
2. Good light
3. Spread out a white shop towel and put everything carefully laid out in the order you removed them.
4. Do not rush

Most mistakes I've made over the years have been through distractions or rushing.

Enjoy it! :-D

Panthermark · 03-07-2007

Carbs are not bad....but when it comes to working on bikes...

There are no such thing as hard jobs....only time consuming jobs...