I'd say it's far more likely that the mechanic was careless rather than malicious in re-installing the float bowls--recently, I unintentionally/carelessly did the very same thing myself when rebuilding my ZX1000R carbs. Any one of the bowls will fit on any one of the carbs, and if you're just not paying attention, you've got a 50-50 chance of getting it wrong. FWIW, it's easy enough to swap the float bowls over onto their proper carbs.

As far as the present function of the carbs, you can certainly try fuel system cleaning additives--might work--but the best/most thorough solution is to pull the carbs apart and soak them in parts cleaner, especially if the problem occurs at, or just off, idle. The idle circuit fuel passages are really small, and the fuel--and any cleaning additive it may contain--is not pulled through them with any real vigor, so if they're clogged, they don't self-unclog very well/easily.

 

Try some SeaFoam cleaner

 

Hey South,

Have a question for you...

I've checked into this SeaFoam stuff that LynnM has recommended and I've been told (by more than one person) that this stuff will probably clean the idle circuit fuel passages as well. I've been told to add a little more than what's recommended to insure that this stuff will help clean the idle circuit fuel passages.

That said, and since you seem to be one of the forum "Gurus" here on almost anything technical, I wanted to get your opinion on this SeaFoam.

Be honest please, as you've not steered me wrong yet! :wtg

Thanks,

 

By any chance, were these "more than one person" the same guys who were offering it for sale? :smirk

Seriously though, as I said, the stuff *may* work/help--I've used SeaFoam and similar products previously--and, at worst, you're out the $7-$8 you paid for it.

If the analogy helps: fuel additive cleaners are like "Liquid Plumber" and the like. Sometimes they'll unclog a drain, and sometimes they won't and you have to use a snake which is basically guaranteed to do the job. Pulling the carbs apart and soaking them in a good parts cleaner (like the 1 gallon kits of "Gunk" brand parts cleaner available at many auto stores) is the equivalent of snaking a clogged drain.

So, it's just a question of whether you want to first try the Liquid Plumber and see if it works--and there's nothing wrong with that, just a little time and money--or go right for the (sure thing) plumbing snake.

With any luck, the SeaFoam or similar will work. Just bear in mind that you may have to resort to plan "B", that's all. :waytogo

 

Thanks for the help South.

Considering that my "abilities" with removing and disassembling the carbs is practically non-existent - not to mention having to "synchronize" the carbs once back in place on the bike - I'm thinking I'll try the SeamFoam first. :roll