Hi! As the title suggests, I need to clean or replace my needle jet.

I'm at the end of a long and strung out repair - the bike will turn over and start strong, idle no problem, but will bog when approaching 1/8 throttle and die if twisted further. If the choke is out the problem is still there but the bike will rev higher and sputter more, then eventually die.

I had it at a shop for a few weeks but ran out of time, the last recommendation the guy suggested for me to try is to clean out that needle jet. From what I understand it's a brass tube with small holes on either side of it, that the fuel needle rides up and down inside of, and those holes are what's clogged.

I've had the carb fully torn down and cleaned a half dozen times, but I must have missed how to access or remove that needle jet. With the top of the carb, diaphragm, spring, needle, etc removed, how do I then remove the jet? Or, I've had the main jet out and back in a few times and it's fine and clean, is there something I can do to take the needle jet out from that side instead?

Last - I've read up a bit on soaking the entire carb for a day or so to dissolve deposits. It's the last thing I can think of to try before looking into what replacement carbs are out there.

Thanks!

Hi - The bowl needs to come off and the main jet removed to free the needle jet. The needle jet slides out from the top which requires removal of the diaphragm and slide. The needle jet is a bleeder type, hence the holes in it which could become clogged.


2003 XT225 CV carb needle jet, jet needle, washer and main jet.

Berryman B-12 is good carb cleaner. Watch the spray as it can come back at you. Float height and fuel delivery are other things to check. The Coaster Enrichment Cover is another area to inspect. Make sure no cracks exist which can be difficult to spot. Vacuum leaks are other potential problems. The rubber boot that transitions the carb to the intake port should be checked. There is a rubber cap on there (top side) that can leak. I'm assuming your tank is free from rust and fuel is clean? Take steps to make certain the carb is clean, operating correctly and no vacuum leaks exist. Hope this helps get you running properly.

Others may weigh in on this and perhaps can offer additional suggestions. Good luck and ride safely.

Thank you, you're a saint. Off to remove the carb for hopefully the last time

I ran out of time on Tuesday but before it rained for 3 days I said screw it lets see what happens when I try to ride it. I can gently give it 1/8 throttle in 1st 2nd and 3rd, plenty for tooting around these desert BLM roads. Will update later once I get that part out and cleaned!

Good luck and ride safely.