I have a somewhat stupid question.... the shop manual for our 99 LT80 seems to imply that it's necessary to remove the engine first before removing the carb. That can't be right can it? If not, is there a special tool needed? The bolts seem almost impossible to get a wrench onto.

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.

 

i cant really help you too much, but the manual MAY be right. many bikes out there are a serious B!TCH to get the carbs out of.

 

It was a while back when I pulled the starter on an older lt80 but it seems I loosened the motor and tilted it back. I'm pretty sure I removed the carb to get to the starter bolts also. I do remember it was fun.

Just read your post again and saw You were only removing the carb. My bad!
On the older models You can remove the carb without pulling the motor. Remove the air filter box. I remember using a screwdriver through a hole it the carb casting to get a bolt out.

 

i modified an 8mm open ended wrench on the grinder that i use only on lt80 carbs. if you grind it thinner on the sides it can fit no problem. i used one of my generic taiwanese for this and saved my craftsman ones

 

That's excellent. I'll pick one up and give it a try. It seems that these are prone to clogging and gumming up if left sitting for a long period (our sat all winter).

 

LMAO, I thought the craftsman wrenchs were for grinding on. :P
But it is the correct thing to do if you don't want to buy a $25. snap-on wrench.
No, you don't pull the motor to get the carb out.
I lay on the seat and work each side from there.
Make sure the o-ring stays in place durring installation. I use grease to hold it in. ;P