2006 Honda CRF450X Carburetor Rebuild

[jes]

Does anyone have a recommendation for someone who is experienced with rebuilding carburetors?

I just picked up a 2006 Honda CRF450X that has sat for a year and needless to say it won't start. The good news is that I can get it to start with starting fluid, but since it won't continue to run I'm sure the carburetor is probably gummed up with varnish.

Knowing that carburetors can cause real problems if the rebuild isn't done properly, I was hoping to find a qualified mechanic or club member experienced with carburetor rebuilds.

Obviously, I would gladly pay them for their time and assistance. :-)

Thank you!

[johnnyb300]

Jes,
The hardest part is getting at the carb to do the work.
First drain the fuel tank and float bowl, and put in fresh gas.
If it will start for you at all, a long shot is you can try a couple ounces of Sea Foam or equivalent, mixed in the fuel tank, then run the bike for a while.
If this doesn't work, remove the float bowl and remove the main and pilot jets. The pilot jet is smaller, and will clog very easily if fuel sits in the float bowl too long, as short a time as a couple weeks.
Clean all removed parts with a carb cleaner. You should be able to see light thru the jet orifices when they are clear. There are other areas you can check; float and float needle seat condition, float level, etc., but a good jet cleaning should get you going.
I attached a link (I hope) for the carb assembly.
I hope this helps.
www.rockymountainatvmc.com/oem-schematic/2

[jes]

johnnyb300,

Thank you for your reply and especially the link.

Keith has recommended a mechanic, but I may just try it myself after all. ;-)

Thanks again for the help.

[jes]

For those who were wondering, here is the recommendation I was given:

Don Learn (RCDR Member)

Jax Motorcycle Service
6112 Arlington Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32211
[phone]

Web: jaxmoto.com
Email: [e-mail]

[bmiller]

I'll second that recommendation!!

[timr]

Yep, go with Don if you don't want to tackle it yourself.

[jes]

Well I decided to tackle it myself.

I drained the float bowl and added fresh gas and it started, but only with the choke. If I pushed the choke in it would shut off. I tried using Sea Foam, but it would still only run with the choke engaged.

I disassembled my CRF450X and was able to get the carburetor out. I took it apart and let it soak overnight and then sprayed everything with a motorcycle carb cleaner. After putting the carb and dirt bike back together, I pressed the starter button and it fired right up. Everything works great! 

Thank you johnnyb300 for the information. Thank you Keith, Barry, and timr for recommending Don Learn. I will definitely be using him as soon as the need arises.