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Just purchased the bike as a fun restore project and I'm just learning as I go.

I bought it not running at all, so i did the basic maintenance:

new battery
new spark plugs
new oil filter
new oil
cleaned air filter
cleaned carbs with spray

With this I've got the bike firing but I've hit a bit of a block. It has a bit of trouble starting but in the end I can get it running for a few moments... It doesn't have a stable idle and with the throttle fully open it doesn't seem to be running full RPMs. (it dosent seem to be as loud as it should unless im spraying starting fluid into the air box) Another thing i noticed was there is no exhaust coming from one of the tail pipes... which leads me to assume only two of my 4 pistons are turning.

Anyone have some advice on what i should look into?

Thanks,
jayson-

More than likely the spay didn't clean the important carb parts, like the jets and air passages. You will probably have to take them apart and physically remove any gunk and varnish in those tiny openings. Sounds very much like it's not getting enough fuel, by this I mean fuel into the intake mixture, not the float bowls. Very common on bikes that have been sitting for a long time.

After spraying the carb cleaner in and watching it leak out the bottom, I observed the liquid was fairly clean. I also stuck a Q-tip in the bottom to see if there was gunk.. but the Q-tip was also clean. Do you still suggest opening the carbs and physically cleaning them? I'm on a low budget so I'm trying to avoid a full carb rebuild if i could. I'm hoping this bike will help me save on gas back and forth to school...

jayson-

1st while an engine is running never spray starting fluid in it, it can and will damage the engine. 2nd, have you checked for exhaust leaks on the side with no exhaust comming out?, if so have you checked that the exhaust is not clogged (mud dobber nest, etc.) do you have spark on that side? how many carbs do you have (i know i can look it up but it is easer to ask), is the carb opening up?, do you have clean fuel in it?, am i asking too many questions?, can i ask some more?, is it making wierd clanking noises?, is the grass greener on the other side?, whats "the other side"?,

Okay. I got it running better. I now have exhaust coming from both sides and it revs up nicely. But without a little bit of choke or throttle it will not stay idle. Any ideas?

jayson-

-my bike has 4 carbs
-yes, new fuel
-i herd a few clanks but it has stopped since.
-also it may be my imagination but for a moment i thought i noticed if i tilted the bike slightly to the right, the rpm's started to drop a little... but it doesn't happen every time. anything to worry about?

I just got done riding my first bike! Works well, aside from the no idle.

Carb cleaning it is then. Will taking the tops off and cleaning as much as i can see be sufficient or do you suggest fully taking them apart and possibly consider buying a rebuild kit. Any tips on an easy clean for a rookie?

thanks,
jayson-

Just pull them completely off. methodically start taking them apart, lining up and remembering where everything goes. It helps to have a clean uncluttered work area. there will be a screw on every carb that adjusts the idle mixture (not the idle speed screw) that needs to be turned all the way in and count the turns as you go, because after you take them out and clean them they will need to go back in and backed out the same number of turns. Or you could get a manual and it will tell you about how many turns out they need to be. Then you need to clean out every little hole nook and cranny. Compressed air and tiny guitar strings are good tools to have. Sometimes a can of spray carb cleaner will be good enough but it would be better to get a carb dip. And agitating it in the carb dip would be even better. Blow everything out with compressed air. If any seals or o-rings are bad replace them. Put them back together. Be aware that some carb dips require that you rinse the carbs out with water and drying before reassembling.

Take them completely apart.
Go to a parts fische and look at a blow up of your carbs
-find and remove each jet keeping track of which carb and location it came from (best to do each carb one at a time)
-Ensure that you can spray cleaner all the way through the jet. This may require taking a very small wire and gently pushing it through to unblock it
-Look for all the little holes and passages and spray with cleaner. I like to take a vaccum cap, make a hole with a small nail, push the spray straw through it and then snug that up to each opening to put all the pressure of the can through the passages.

When finished, let it air dry or blast it with compressed air. Remember to keep the diaphram out of the carbs until they are dry (carb cleaner will ruin the rubber and they can be spendy)

Good luck, let us know how it goes or if you have any questions

Alright, thanks for your help guys. I'll spend the next few days cleaning them and let you know if i have any questions.

jayson-