Protect carbs for washing?

[Bansh88]

I want to wash down the bike really well. I have the clamp on K&Ns. I'd like to take off the filters and cover the carb openings to hose the shit out of this thing. What do any of you guys do/use to block water?

I figure the clamps would be good to cinch down something.

[bansheeryder_69]

I would tape a plastic bag over the carbs if I were going to 'hose the shit out of that thing"

[sandman121383]

ii use plastic shopping bags from the supermarket. so i usually keep a few layin around. i cover up the filer and the carb real good. keeps them dry.i

[fast87]

i cut the bottom off of a water bottle that was the same size as my single 35mm keihin, and used the clamp to hold it on, it doesn't leak much water (if any) past it, maybe a drop or two. I just keep that handy so i can clean it real good anytime, without messing with a plastic bag, plus you can pressure wash the water bottle bottom, a plastic bag will tear easily, allowing lots of water into your engine...a bad thing for sure

 

~Mark~

[VinceDizzy]

i cut the bottom off of a water bottle that was the same size as my single 35mm keihin, and used the clamp to hold it on, it doesn't leak much water (if any) past it, maybe a drop or two. I just keep that handy so i can clean it real good anytime, without messing with a plastic bag, plus you can pressure wash the water bottle bottom, a plastic bag will tear easily, allowing lots of water into your engine...a bad thing for sure

 

~Mark~

401674[/snapback]

 

Thats a good idea.

 

I use a piece of saran wrap folded several times and clamp that on.

[SANDSTAR]

The plastic bag trick works suprisingly well, but you should double them up in case one has a hole in the bottom. It seems like 1 out of 3 do. I used to just zip-tie them on and wash away.

 

I recently went to the hardware store and bought a couple rubber cone plugs. These work WAY better. They cost .75c apiece, seal watertight, and allow you to really get in there and clean the always dirty area under the carbs. I also picked up a pair for my silencers.

[Bansh88]

NICE!

Do you mind if I steal the shit out of that idea?! Never thought of that

[Cotton eyed Joe]

This might sound werid, but I personally never use high pressure near my carbs or intakes or much of anywhere on my bike. I soak it with a little Simple Green or Windex, or use the low pressure setting at the car wash (don't use the lever on the handle..just let the shit come out) and either use a wash cloth to get some of the areas I can reach, or use a Q-Tip for the smaller areas. Sometimes I'll use a common screwdriver with a paper towel folded over the end to get into really tight areas.

 

Seals don't like high pressure water, so be careful!

[Bansh88]

I stopped using the car wash a while ago. I'm too lazy and cheap. Just use my hose now. But sand mixed with oil and exhaust and gas makes a damn mess! I need to get in there with something. Especially around the engine and carbs

[pimpeinkc]

i dont get the high preassure in there, i use chemicals on the motor. brake cleaner works good, just don't get it on plastic and rubber....

[SANDSTAR]

Buy a couple cans of carb cleaner. Will not hurt plastic, and is real cheap. Make sure the can comes with the little red straw, which is great for getting way under the carbs.

 

B88, steal the hell outta the rubber plug idea! I still wouldn't get too much water around those plugs, though.