Where to go for carb rebuilding? (Houston, Texas)

[Krazy Kapitalist]

So far I've only called one shop (Motorcycles Unlimited) and they quoted me $320. I spent 1/3 on the bike, so forgive me if I'm out of tune on prices for such services. I would rather pay more and have the job done right, but if you guys know any good shops/mechanics in the Houston area, let me know!

Thanks.

[Nessism]

Send the carbs to either Chef or me. It will cost you less than half that amount including shipping back and forth.

Better yet, check the carb rebuild tutorial in my signature and do it yourself. It's easy as long as you follow the instructions and don't short cut.

[Steve]

The best place is your own garage. That way, you will know how the job was done.

Other than that, there are a few on the forum that have been known to rebuild carbs. I am not going to speak out and say that they will do it for you at this time, but chef1366 and TheCafeKid are two that come to mind right now. I would be happy to do them for you, too, but I am not at home, and will not be there for another couple of weeks. Even when I do finally get there, it will only be for a few days, then will be leaving again, so I won't have time to do them.

And, whatever you do, do NOT get "carb rebuild kits" to do your carbs. They will cost about $100 for the set of four, they do not have all the parts that you need, and the parts that they do have are often of sub-standard quality. All that is usually needed is a can of Berryman's Carb Cleaner Dip (about $20-25), a set of o-rings for the carbs and intake boots (less than $25 at cycleorings.com) and a few days of your time. Follow the carb cleaning tutorials on the homepage or in tkent02's signature, you will be fine.

.

.

[Ghostgs1]

As the others have said, DIY. It really isn't difficult, removing and reinstalling them is the hardest part, the rest is paying attention to detail. Ray

[rustybronco]

As the others have said, DIY. It really isn't difficult, removing and reinstalling them is the hardest part, the rest is paying attention to detail. Ray

And, removing the carb rack on his bike is very easy.

[Krazy Kapitalist]

As the others have said, DIY. It really isn't difficult, removing and reinstalling them is the hardest part, the rest is paying attention to detail. Ray

Really? Because:

And, removing the carb rack on his bike is very easy.

Okay, thanks for the advice. I was going to order some kits. Good thing I didn't. I would prefer to DIY them if I can, but I feared that I wouldn't have enough time or my magic carb tuning wand would not be up to the task.

[gs850cafe]

did my carbs from the tutorial..never broke into bike carbs...but i had no problems...bike ran great too..costed me around 50 bux an some time for mine, and i know it was done right

[Larry D]

As long as you're running stock there's no reason to spend more than $30 or so.
A few bucks for a can of Berryman's and a few more for some o-rings, some of your time and you're done. I guess you could spend a few more and replace all the stupid phillips screws with hex heads...(highly recommended !! )
Just take care when you remove the float pins, they are subject to snapping off. Take your time, follow the instructions stay organized and do it yourself !!! Easy peasy.

[sammy123]

Would you all say that having an air compressor is required for the job? I have read around here that some poeple seem to think so. I am probably going to attempt this in the next few weeks.

Thanks

[Ghostgs1]

Really? Because:



Okay, thanks for the advice. I was going to order some kits. Good thing I didn't. I would prefer to DIY them if I can, but I feared that I wouldn't have enough time or my magic carb tuning wand would not be up to the task.

I said that is the hardest part, not that it is difficult. And as said above, you probably don't need kits, get the o rings from Robert Barr. Ray

[MisterCinders]

Would you all say that having an air compressor is required for the job? I have read around here that some poeple seem to think so. I am probably going to attempt this in the next few weeks.

Thanks

Blasting air through the passages helps clear them out. A compressor is useful for all sorts of tasks, so once you get one you'll find a million uses for it.

That said, if you don't have a compressor and don't want to drop cash on a tool just to clean carbs, you can pick up some canned air from any home center or office supply place (the kind used to blast dust from a keyboard) and use that for the carb project.

[thewiz]

I am in Baytown, just 25 minutes from Houston. If you wish, I could help you. I have rebuilt 2 sets with no problems, have all the tools, and also have to carb sync tool. You can't get a better deal than that!

PM me if interested.

John