Woe is Me: my carbs hate me!

[SailorChlud]

Well, after noticing a slight wetness under the cowling of my 2002 Johnson 115HP V4 looper early in the season, the wetness became a steadier leak. I took the lower cowlings off today, and lo and behold, at least 3 of the carbs are leaking from the little BB in the float bowls that BRP used to plug the molds in the plastic bowls. Maybe have a little warped bowl action going on, too.

Maybe have a stuck float or valve, too, as the lower carbs dribble a little gas when tilted up for any length of time.

Anyone want to buy into the pool on the final mechanic's bill to rebuild all 4 carbs at NJ prices? If we get a good response, we can turn this into a 50-50 where half the proceeds go to the member with the closest guess, and half goes to the mechanics's bill?

Just kidding, moderators - I would never encourage an immoral and illegal act of gambling on such a fine site as this!!!

[Capt Terry]

Hey Sailor- about 10 years ago I think I paid about $800 to rebuild the three carbs on my ‘85 Merc 150 in Greenville, SC. Expensive yes, but it ran better than it had in quite a while. Got another five years out of it. 28 total, half of it in salt.

[NoBones]

How many ways can you say "Bend Over"
Take those cheap plastic fuel bowls off and deck them
on a flat bed sander.... Worked on my ole' Johnson 90 !!

[Dogbomb]

Have you checked the price of a rebuild kit?
There is nothing difficult about rebuilding carbs, as long as you work in an organized manner on a very clean surface.
Check YouTube for rebuild videos and tips, buy a can of carb cleaner and go to it! Also, be super careful with those plastic bowls, they are fragile.
(I know this from experience 0.o)

[SailorChlud]

Well, after reviewing my budget with my wife, who reminded me that A) we have two kids in college needing tuition payments and B) we are not independently wealthy, and C) we have two kids in college, we determined that we just don't have 4 figure repair bills in the budget right now.

After encouragement from Dogbomb and others, watching the videos on youtube, and pricing out the kits, I ordered 4 carb kits and bowls. I will dive in as soon as they arrive, after a suitable sacrificial offering to Neptune.

Guys: any suggestions on a suitable sacrificial offering????

[Dogbomb]

Alright, John, go to it! I'm sure the carb gods will be smiling on your efforts.

I think beer is an appropriate offering...

[77SceptreOB]

What about tuning and synchronizing the carbs after they are rebuilt and reinstalled with the linkage? Any advice on this step?

[SailorChlud]

Well, Sceptre77, I am sure that no one should ask my advice about carb work! Are you asking if I need any advice? Will gratefully accept any tips people have....

[gofastsandman]

Find a friend with an ultrasonic cleaner.

[dirtwheelsfl]

Originally Posted by gofastsandman

Find a friend with an ultrasonic cleaner.

This^