How's this carb look?

[Rural]

So based on some good advice from another thread, I decided to take apart my carburetor and have a look. Once I figured out exactly where the carb on my '91 Sambar was, my plans changed from taking the carb out then heading inside to clean it (it's cold out!) to just taking the top off and having a look. Of course, once I got the top off, I realized that I have no idea how clean the inside of a carb should be, or for that matter, how to best clean one.

So here I am. How's it look? Notice that there is a tear in the gasket (on the upper left corner of the carb top as seen in the photo). Should I replace it. Taking the whole carb out looks pretty involved, but I'm game if it is necessary. Opinions?

[Mighty Milt]

i can't tell if it's really dirty in there or just really dark in the picture. you can spray it out with some carb cleaner and go from there, but what usually needs the attention is all the little passage ways. you can blow all those out with an air nozzle after you spray it (wear eye protection) and then put it back together, but normally i would pull the whole thing, take out all the jets and such and soak it over night in carb dunk stuff (berrymans 12 or something like that)

[Rural]

It's dirt.

Well, I guess I'm pulling the whole carb. It's too bad one can't access the jets and stuff with the top off.

Any concern about the crack in the gasket?

[Mighty Milt]

i can't see a crack in the picture, but if it will go back togther and make a good seal when you tighten the top i wouldn't worry about it. if you can replace i would certainly recommend doing so, but if you can't get one, just put it back together if it's going to make a good seal. if you have a piece missing i would hunt down a new one.

[Rural]

It's just a crack, nothing missing. Sounds like a plan has been formed.

[Subaru]

Personally I would remove carb,aquire a kit with gaskets,clean and reassemble.Once you know everything internal is fine,all your left with is external adjustments.
FIX RIGHT THE FIRST TIME---I hate doing things twice.and I really hate fixing someones mistakes due to short cutting-especialy mine
I prefer to spend a few extra bucks and an extra hour to buy myself piece of mind.Nothing worse than breaking down in -30 weather,and thinking--was it something I did or did'nt do

[Rural]

Subaru, if I could easily find a gasket, that's exactly what I would do. Haven't had any luck yet, any pointers? Is this something that I could cut out of gasket material myself? (Seriously, I don't know if this is possible or not.)

[Subaru]

I know someone will say to check the sponsors

I have had good luck with japanoid.
If all else fails,get a carb name and # and get it direct-this is where good ole internet pays for itself.

[Mighty Milt]

is it a kehin or mikuni? if that's the case i would check motorcycle shops. you might be able to make one from a good gasket material but you have to make sure it's a perfect fit for all the little holes that run through the body of the carb into the top of it (if it has any)

i've always had good luck making gaskets by putting the material over what i want to make a gasket for and tapping around all the edges with a plastic hammer. that not only transfers the piece perfectly to the material, but will also start the cut for you. on heavy duty stuff i just tap it with the hammer until it's completely cut out (that's good for stuff like rear ends where you won't hurt anything getting after them with a hammer)