I first completely disassemble the components, scrub the carb set in the sink with degreaser and hot water rinse, then give the small parts a dunk in the ultrasonic cleaner. All the passageways are given a blast with compressed air and verified clear. As a matter of course I replace the fuel tube o-rings and fuel lines (see the Maintenance page for a detailed tutorial).
(Right) This carb set was pretty grungy on the outside, but surprisingly clean inside. Someone had replaced the float bowl screws with generic allen screws which have since acquired a lovely rust patina.
(Below) Turn out the screw, being very careful to avoid losing the spring, washer and o-ring inside — these little parts are NLA from Honda, though I have sourced replacements for the o-ring and metal washer. I use a small nail with a bent tip to dig for the washer and o-ring if they're left stuck inside the hole.
(Right) This needle is stock OEM, which tells me that no jet kit was installed in this carb set.
(click on an image to enlarge)
Ready for installation!