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I have many problems with my virago. Running rich, fouling plugs, backfiring at low rpm, and grinding starter gears are the main problems. You suggested a maintenance manual but I can't seem to find the post it was in nor can I remember the name. Is there a way to adjust the mixture without removing the carbs. Is the petcock supposed to knock. Help please.

Never having heard a petcock 'knock' before, I can't imagine that it's a good thing...... I would look into that.

You can only adjust the lowspeed idle circiut without opening the carbs, and it sounds like your rich everywhere. Haynes or Clymer manuals are probably they names you forgot. It is a good (almost manditory) thing to have around for just such a reason as this.

If the petcock appears to knock then you need to check the vacuum line to it. My guess would be that the line is faulty. I am presuming that like my Yamaha, it requires a vacuum to open the stick and allow fuel flow. This could help explain some of your poor running problems.

I had a fuel leak in the petcock and bought a rebuild kit which fixed the leak but something must have gone wrong causing the knock. I have tested the lines and they hold a vaccume so I guess I'll just have to cough up the cash and buy a new one. I also have taken the carbs out and cleaned them. everything appeared to be ok so I just adjusted the floats which were off quite a bit from the specs that I had found online which said level with the carb. I leveled them and had no change. I'll just have to get a book and try and figure it out. thanks for the help.