Recommended Carburetor Rebuild Frequency?

[How Nice]

Hello, All! I thought I had an account on this forum but I had to register as a new member, maybe because I haven't been on in a while. I'd like your advice on the value in rebuilding the carb on my 05.5 DS.

I'm approaching my 10 yr. anniversary of proud CC ownership, and in addition to the regular spring maintenance this year I am tuning/overhauling everything I can - engine, brakes, bearings etc. No problems with the cart, I'm just trying to get an edge back on my friend who for the first time last year was able to outrun me through the campground in his Yamaha.

I don't see much dialog on regular rebuilding or overhauling the carb on this or the other cart forums, and the parts outlets appear to market the rebuild kits as repair and not maintenance items. Like I said, not having any "problems" with how it runs - just want to know if there is a recommended service interval that may help a bit. I know when I had my boat, I replaced the float and needles every few years on the Mercury 2-cycle, and it made a big difference.

What are your thoughts and recommendations? Thanks!

[lockman1]

Welcome (back) to BGW!

Usually, a good cleaning is helpful! (but it seems most don't do it until problems arise!)
These carbs are pretty basic, and don't really require a boat load of gaskets like the old Holley, or Quadrajet carbs we had on our old cars!

BUT... the Ethanol in most fuels now-a-days can play havoc on ANY carb!
I've got an 07... and I've run a mix of Seafoam in my fuel since I bought it new,
and I hope not to expect Ethanol problems anytime soon with my cart!

Just my .02

[How Nice]

Thank you, Lockman. Personally,I try to avoid ethanol in everything except my cocktails.

I did most of the engine & back-end work I planned on yesterday. I ran a bunch of carb cleaner directly into the throttle body, and it's running pretty good. I'm assuming your suggestion is a complete rebuild is not worth it, but do you think it should make much difference if I pulled the carb any cleaned it that way?

[lockman1]

Originally Posted by How Nice

Thank you, Lockman. Personally,I try to avoid ethanol in everything except my cocktails.

I did most of the engine & back-end work I planned on yesterday. I ran a bunch of carb cleaner directly into the throttle body, and it's running pretty good. I'm assuming your suggestion is a complete rebuild is not worth it, but do you think it should make much difference if I pulled the carb any cleaned it that way?

That's completely up to you!
My outlook is... "If it aint broke, don't fix it"!

(but then again... I'm kinda lazy! )

[jpatt87]

u cab buy a brand new carb for 25 bucks. wonder if they r tuned pretty close out of the box

[TahoeDawgZ71]

I wouldn't be too concerned with cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor unless it's running poorly. The smallest piece of trash in the carb can make the engine run terribly. If it's running good, the carburetor is probably clean. You can take the bolt out of the bottom of the carburetor bowl and pull the bowl off. You can look in the bowl to get a general idea of the internal condition of the carburetor. If you've lost speed, I would look at the clutches before anything else. As the clutches wear, they lose the ability to open and close to their maximum range and because of this you don't get the maximum rpm transfer from the engine to the transaxle. There are high speed clutch kits available that would really make a difference in your speed.

[lockman1]

Originally Posted by TahoeDawgZ71

I wouldn't be too concerned with cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor unless it's running poorly. The smallest piece of trash in the carb can make the engine run terribly. If it's running good, the carburetor is probably clean. You can take the bolt out of the bottom of the carburetor bowl and pull the bowl off. You can look in the bowl to get a general idea of the internal condition of the carburetor. If you've lost speed, I would look at the clutches before anything else. As the clutches wear, they lose the ability to open and close to their maximum range and because of this you don't get the maximum rpm transfer from the engine to the transaxle. There are high speed clutch kits available that would really make a difference in your speed.

HEY! Who said you could come back from vacation so soon?

Ummm...err... uh........... Hi David!

[TahoeDawgZ71]

Originally Posted by lockman1

HEY! Who said you could come back from vacation so soon?

Ummm...err... uh........... Hi David!

My wife did! Glad to be back.

[lockman1]

Originally Posted by TahoeDawgZ71

My wife did! Glad to be back.

Welcome back!