Carb Cleaning Tips

[BradyM]

Wondering if anyone has advice on cleaning a carb. The girl we're staying with has a Honda Rebel 250 (She never rides it, been sitting for a while). Pulled it out the other day to let my wife try it out. The bike idles fine, but dies when you give it gas. Also noticed that fuel is coming out of the carb vent line. I'm new to wrenching, but I think the float is stuck from searching on the internet. I think I need to clean the carb, and from what I've read it looks like I just need to take it off the bike, take it apart and clean all the parts (except the rubber ones) with carb cleaner. So:
Question 1) If I try this myself is there anything to loose? Meaning, what's the harm in trying it myself. Worst case, I can't do it, and I bring it to someone else to fix.

Question 2) Is this something a reasonably intelligent (no comments Chad) noob can handle? I've heard carbs are a PITA. Is it just a matter of taking it apart (no special tools) and putting it back together?

She doesn't have a bunch of money to spend on things like this, so I'd like to do it for her if possible.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks

[dewnmoon]

Getting the carb out on the Rebel is somewhat of a PITA. We have the same issues with the Reb and Nitehawks all the time.

Check the choke cable in the top of the carb as it also goops up with gas deposits as well.

One you pull the airbox out of the way a bit you can get the carb out and clean up jets, needle seat, bowl etc..

[dannyt]

Try a can of Seafoam in the gas before you pull the carbs.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/motorTuneUpTechGas.htm

[Redbird]

+1 on the Seafoam.

[minig0d]

+1 on seafoam... and they even sell it at walmart now! (but they also have it at autozone and advance auto parts)

[BradyM]

Thank ya'll for the SeaFoam recommendation!!! It worked like a charm. Now back to teaching the wife to ride.