Carb Cleaning Question

[Chokse]

I am going to be cleaning my carbs this weekend because things are just not running the way they should, and all signs point to the carbs.  As such, I have gone ahead and ordered Gaskets Sets A & C from Honda.  I figure that as long as I have them off, I might as well replace the gaskets because I don't know when or if the carbs have ever been serviced.  On that note, as long as I am going to have them off, I'd like to really get them cleaned well, inside and out.  I found the carb rebuild instructions on MOOT, but it doesn't seem to give any advice regarding the asthetic cleaning of the carbs.  If I want to really clean them up, inside and out (really get them looking like new), what is the best way?  Should I remove all the rubber parts and clean all the metal parts with carb cleaner?  Is there another way?  Also, how can I recondition some of the rubber parts that won't be replaced with the gasket sets?  Any advice would be welcomed.  Thanks-

[Greg Cothern]

If you are just pulling to clean and adjust you will NOT need a gasket set....

To clean the interior and exterior you can use a spray can of carb cleaner from somewhere such as wally worlds etc.  Just dont let it sit on the rubber parts for extended periods of time.
Use an old toothbrush or such to scrub the exterior with.  
VOILA your done!

[Chokse]

Greg:  I know I probably won't need the gasket sets, but the bike is a 95 model, and I have been working hard to get it into good shape during the 6 months I have owned it.  The previous owner did not take very good care of it, and really let a lot of things get messed up.  My guess is that he never had the carbs cleaned, or the plugs changed - among other things.  I got the bike for a great price and knew that a lot of work would need to be done.  The good news is that I love the bike and I do enjoy working on it.... it is a nice hobby.  The gasket sets were not really that expensive, and I figured that as long as I am going to go through the trouble of taking the carbs out, I might as well replace the gaskets to avoid any problems in the future.  I also have new jets and shims from DD that I will install, as well as new plugs.  I need the jets because I have installed V&H exhaust on the bike.  I also have a K&N air filter I'll be installing when I take out the carbs.  I'd just like to get the carbs cleaned up and looking nice.  I also want to be sure that the carb cleaner will not eat away the paint on the outside of the carbs.  I know that brake fluid will eat through anything, but I wasn't sure about carb cleaner.  I know it is bad for rubber if left on too long, but I'm not sure about paint.  Also, any suggestion for the air mixture screw settings with the setup I have:  V&H exhaust, K&N air filter, DD jets and shims, etc.  Is it 3-1/4 turns out?  Thanks

[Greg Cothern]

I have pulled plenty of 94 and 95 carbs never had an issue with the bowl gaskets, these gaskets are rubber.  However I understand wanting to keep it up and going for the long term....
The outside of the carbs is not painted, should be just natural aluminum..  
For the pilot adjustments, we have had good luck from 3 1/8 - 3 1/4 turns out from a light seat.