Do I rebuild the carbs or not?

[kyxon]

I have a 1984 vt700c. The bike starts and runs pretty well, though it's my first so I have nothing to compare it to. I know it sat for 18 months prior to now but I haven't had much trouble except for some sputtering at hard throttle which some fuel ionjector cleaner in the tank seems to have cleared up.

My low fuel sensor doesn't work and I have it all apart to replace the thermistor in it. I peeked into the subtank and there are some rust flakes in the bottom. I (think I) don't want to remove the rear wheel to remove the subtank. Can I flush that out and pour in some evapo-rust? Just replace the fuel filter more often? Since I have it apart this far, I think just a little more takes the top tank off and then I can reach the carbs.

Do I pull them off and rebuild them? (new gaskets, floats) Will I have to recalibrate anything if I do?

[John Hopkins]

Originally Posted by kyxon

I have a 1984 vt700c. The bike starts and runs pretty well, though it's my first so I have nothing to compare it to. I know it sat for 18 months prior to now but I haven't had much trouble except for some sputtering at hard throttle which some fuel ionjector cleaner in the tank seems to have cleared up.

My low fuel sensor doesn't work and I have it all apart to replace the thermistor in it. I peeked into the subtank and there are some rust flakes in the bottom. I (think I) don't want to remove the rear wheel to remove the subtank. Can I flush that out and pour in some evapo-rust? Just replace the fuel filter more often? Since I have it apart this far, I think just a little more takes the top tank off and then I can reach the carbs.

Do I pull them off and rebuild them? (new gaskets, floats) Will I have to recalibrate anything if I do?

Just put a magnet on a string to remove the rust flakes..There is an old saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it." the bike is nearly 30 years old and from your description it is running pretty good so if you strip down and repair the carbs you will not see too much difference, do you move on to the cylinders for a rebore, fit new crankshaft main and big end bearings, fit new valves, piston rings, Where do you stop..I wouldn't have even changed the fuel sensor, most of us top up by milage anyway..Change the fuel filter because that is cheap and always a good idea..and then just ride the hell out of the bike..have fun without it costing you anything and one day, when it falls apart just walk away and buy another one with all the money you saved.

John.

[kyxon]

Thanks. I'm fixing the fuel sensor in part 'cause I ran it out of gas the other day and because I haven't had a working odometer long enough to know how much I get out of a tank yet. That and, I enjoy a little bit of tinkering with it, just not too much

I appreciate the advice.

[vonh]

Totally agree with john hopkins if it ain't broke don't fix it. But do all the routine maintenance. Replace all the fluids and filters and enjoy!!

[zilliox]

exactly if it ain't broke don't fix it.