How do I tell if my diaphragm is still ok?
Motorcycle carburetor diaphragms become torn, dry, cracked, delaminated, hard, and or brittle over
time. All of these signs are bad and deem replacement. The diaphragm's function
is to act as a bladder when velocity in the carbs venturi increases. This
pressure differentiation lifts the diaphragm against the spring and hence the slide. If the
diaphragm has any holes, cracks, splits, etc. then the pressure will leak
past the diaphragm and not raise the slide at the correct rate or at all
in some cases. Also delamination is a sure sign that more damage is surely on the way.
I have a pin hole. Can I patch it? Maybe but we have not found a way to patch the diaphragm that will allow the flexability of the original with out having a tight spot, a chemical reaction or other adverse affect.
I only have one bad diaphragm. Should I replace the others? Diaphragms are made of Buna-N Nitrile Rubber coated cloth in most cases. This rubber is great for this application but it is not resistant to O-zone. Since O-zone is everywhere it's rubber is just as worn as the bad rubber and in theory is suseptable to the same negative result as the bad slide. In essence... sooner or later you will need the other ones repaired as well.
The problem is that many OEM's have discontinued carrying the Throttle
Slide/Diaphragm assembly. Some vendors do supply aftermarket
slides, but sometimes there is just no replacement available. So then
what? Have us re-rubber your slide. Chances are that we can either
provide OEM, or aftermarket slides, or have them re-diaphragmed.
We are able to service most models. Contact
us if you have a special application and we will see if we have the molds
for that diaphragm available.
Diaphragm repair, the way it works:
Send us your diaphragms and we will remove the old rubber, and replace it with a new special made rubber exactly like the original back in place. Special jigs are
used on this precision job to ensure quality and proper orientation. Allow about one month turn around. You may find that we have listed your bikes diaphragm but the information on the product says you need to send in your slides to be rerubbered. If this is true then that is what is needed in order for us to provide you with a solution. Click your brand at the top of this page and see if you can find your bike. If so click and order. If not then email us about your need and we can go from there.