Carburetors
About Carburetors
A carburetor mixes fuel with the air the engine draws in, and on a carbureted quad that mixture has to be right across idle, cruising and full throttle. Riders shop here to rebuild a carburetor that is flooding, bogging or leaking, to restore one after storage, or to tune the mixture after changes to the intake or exhaust.
The listings in this category are mostly carburetor repair kits for particular models, such as Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Polaris and Arctic Cat quads, along with parts like main jets and performance additions, including an accelerator pump rebuild kit and a power bowl. Jets are numbered, and a larger number generally means a larger hole and more fuel. Altitude matters, because thinner air at height calls for a leaner setting, and a change of air filter or exhaust may call for a change too. If the engine runs lean it tends to run hot and pop on deceleration, and if it runs rich it may smoke and foul the plug.
Brands in this category include Mikuni, All Balls, FMF Racing, K&L Supply and Shindy. Related parts are Carburetor Parts, Air Filters and Fuel Filters. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page.
FAQs on ATV carburetors and jetting
What does jetting mean on a carburetor?
Jetting is the choice of jets that meter fuel into the air stream. The pilot jet governs idle and low throttle, the needle governs mid-range, and the main jet governs wide-open throttle. Jets are numbered, and a larger number generally passes more fuel.
How can I tell if my engine is running lean or rich?
A lean engine tends to run hot, pop on deceleration and hesitate. A rich engine may smoke, run sluggishly and foul the spark plug. The plug's color after a steady ride is a guide, but follow your manual or the jet kit's instructions.
Does altitude change carburetor settings?
Yes. Thinner air at higher altitude means the engine takes in less oxygen, so the same jetting runs richer. Riders who move between altitudes may need different jets. Use the maker's guidance for your carburetor and the altitudes you ride at.
What does an accelerator pump do?
An accelerator pump adds a small extra shot of fuel when you open the throttle quickly, so the engine does not stumble. A worn pump diaphragm or seal can cause hesitation. Rebuild kits like the one listed here are for specific models.
Can I fit a carburetor kit from a different model year?
Not safely. Jets, vents and internal parts can change between years and models, so a kit for another year may not match. Use the make, model and years in the listing, and check your carburetor's markings when you can.
