DIY Network

'48 Indian Chief Motorcycle: Restoration Begins Learn how to clean the carburetor and check the Indian's spark plugs. From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-301

Host Craig Reynolds and antique motorcycle expert Chris Matthews begin the 1948 Indian Chief restoration project by cleaning the carburetor, inspecting the spark plugs

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Cleaning Out the Carburetor

• Begin by removing the air cleaner from the carburetor. The fuel line is detached and the liquid is drained from the bowl, and finally, the bowl is removed from the carburetor (figure A).

• After removing the oil, do the same thing with both gas tanks.

  Note: The "Petcock" is a valve that lets you control gas supply. It has On, Off and Reserve positions.

• It's vital that the carburetor bowl is cleaned out of all sediment.

  Note: The float (figure B) in the carburetor bowl works exactly like a toilet bowl. When it's down, gasoline enters and the needle and seat are up. As the fuel enters, the needle goes down and monitors the amount of fuel that can come in.

  Any kind of sediment can make the needle stick into position, which in turn will alter the flow of fuel, which means there can be an overflow.

• You can visually inspect to see if any sediment has built up in the carburetor or you can blow through it and listen for air.

• Once the bowl is clean, reassemble to the carburetor.

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