I use a pipe cleaner dipped in carburetor cleaner for the higher HP fixed jet outboards. It does not damage the metal like welding tip reamers can. For my personal outboards, I install an adjustable needle valve kit. They can then be used at high altitudes without worry. Pipe cleaners used to be available at drug stores, but now are found only at smoke shops. Many hobby shops have them in assorted colors and shapes.

Boy; I guess so. When you think of how much difference just a **LITTLE** adjustment does on the carbs with the adjustable High-Speed jets…..imagine how precise that little hole needs to be.

I imagine that in many a carburetor….that fixed jet is "cleaned" with a wire or whatnot….and that engine will run rich from that day forward. I personally don’t like the fixed jets.

I’ve found that the "simple-green" sort of cleaner (mine is the Costco equivalent) works very well for such endeavors. Just soak the pieces in there (I heat the solution a bit) and everything comes out bright and shiny. Very quickly too.

make certain the 2 little vent holes Under the vent screw (gaz cap) are not crudded over. unscrewing the vent won’t help if the two holes are crudded over
You must see light in the 2 small vent holes. (paper clip works nice)