Need some of your lights.

My bike: 1000F 1987. 56,000 K / 34 000 miles (original), all stock, not custom parts.

The history: (I'm in Quebec, Canada) For the last two seasons I didn't ride it. I started it now and then, rode around the block. Last fall I started it, but couldn't rev it. It stalled. Stored it for winter (under a tarp outside).

The situation: I removed and cleaned the carbs. I changed the spark plugs, put new fuel in the tank. Didn't start. I ckecked for gas in the carbs:OK. Checked for spark: OK. Doesn't start... doesn't start... sputter... Backfires... doesn't start. After a while (forever) it started (choke at half way). I left it alone untill it got warmer then tried to rev it a little. Stalled. Never was able to start it again.

Solution?... Is it electrical (since it started)? Is it the carbs (I never touched the adjustments)?

Any Ideas?

 

Carbs, need a thorough cleaning , check tank for rust and moisture as you may be getting crud coming down to the carbs. Maybe a new air filter too

 

Make sure the battery is completely charged since you have been trying to start it so much. I know that seems simple, but these bikes have to have a full battery to start.

 

I have to agree with Sprock on this one as I had the same problems when I bought my 87 and it hadn't been started in years. I hooked it up to a car battery but it ran like crap, got it stated though.

 

Don't forget needs full choke.

 

You can check for air leaks too, connections and cracks in hoses.

 

Where are you in Québec? if close enough i could to and take a pool

 

yep, would check it's on full choke and with fully charged battery...

would also suggest you replace your inline fuel filter as you didn't mention that, the other 2 things are to check your tank vent hole and breather pipe is clear.

the only thing that really caught me out was a piece of rust floating around in the tank that blocked the fuel flow. took a while to find that little plucker.

 

Thanks for the hints guys. It's appreciated.

I'll check for the different points you mentioned. Noboby seems to think it might be electrical?

When I said I cleaned the carbs, I mean I took them apart and cleaned them (I may have missed some spots). But I didn't check the tank itself. Good point!

I agree it normally needs full choke on. But in this case it started only at half choke. Plus, as it got warmer, it didn't rev any faster as it would do.

As for the battery, the bike was being boosted from the car. No way it would have lasted that long on it's own.

DragonCBR: I'm in Napierville. That's 20 min South of Montreal or 15 min North of the Lacolle border crossing.

I'll keep you posted.

 

Double check the plug wires. Are you sure you put them back correctly? That would surly cause the backfires.

When you say new fuel, is it new old fuel from a can. If it's more than a three weeks old it's crap gas because of ethanol separation.