🧰 How to Clean the Carburetor on a 150cc GY6 Engine
Your 150cc GY6-powered ATV, scooter, go-kart, or UTV relies on a clean, properly functioning carburetor for smooth operation. Over time, dirt, ethanol deposits, and old gas can clog jets and fuel passages, leading to hard starting, rough idling, or poor throttle response.
This guide walks you through cleaning your GY6 carburetor step-by-step.
🔍 Symptoms of a Dirty GY6 Carburetor
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Engine cranks but won’t start
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Hesitation or sputtering at throttle
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Rough idle or stalling
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Poor fuel economy
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Black smoke from exhaust
If you're seeing one or more of these, a clogged carb is likely the culprit.
🛠 What You’ll Need
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Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
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8mm wrench or socket
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Carburetor cleaner spray
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Compressed air (optional)
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Clean rag or paper towels
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Safety glasses & gloves
🔧 Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning
1. Remove the Carburetor
Disconnect the battery, turn off the fuel valve, and remove the air filter box if needed. Loosen the intake manifold clamp and slide the carburetor out. Disconnect the throttle cable and fuel lines.
⚠️ Tip: Take a photo before disassembly to remember where hoses and cables go.
2. Disassemble the Carb
Remove the float bowl using a Phillips screwdriver (usually 4 screws). Carefully remove the float, float pin, and needle. Unscrew both the main jet and the pilot jet with a small flathead screwdriver.
3. Soak and Clean the Jets
Spray carb cleaner through all jets and passages. Hold jets up to light and make sure you can see through them. Use compressed air for extra clearing if available.
🌀 If the pilot jet is especially clogged, you can gently poke through it with a fine wire (like a bristle from a wire brush).
4. Clean the Carb Body
Spray cleaner through the carburetor body passages. Pay attention to the idle circuit and air/fuel screw port. Wipe clean and let dry.
5. Reassemble the Carb
Reinstall jets, float, and needle. Reattach the float bowl. Be sure all gaskets are seated correctly to avoid fuel leaks.
6. Reinstall and Test
Reattach the carburetor to the intake and airbox. Reconnect throttle cable, fuel line, and vacuum hoses. Turn on the fuel, reconnect the battery, and start the engine.
🖼 Visual Guide
Image: GY6 carburetor assembly with labeled jets and passages.
🧠 Want to see it in action? Check out this video:
🧼 How Often Should You Clean It?
We recommend cleaning the carb every 6-12 months depending on use and fuel quality. Always drain the fuel if the vehicle will sit unused for more than 30 days.
💡 Final Tip
If you’ve cleaned the carb and still have no spark or issues starting, check the CDI, coil, or stator next. Need help? Our tech team at BDX Performance is here for you.
