what did I do this time?
 

So after paint I started putting everything back together and I put the carbs on, minus the throttle cables and put the tank on just to make sure it ran. It ran fine. It was idling at around 1500rpms and was great. So I stopped running it, took the tank off, took the carbs out and put the throttle cables back on. Put the tank back on and tried to fire her up again. Started to turn over but then nothing. Occasionally there is a really loud backfire from the exhaust. It worked one mintue and now not, what did I do. I did kinda hold the carbs upside down a bit to get the cables on, did that flood them or something?

RE: what did I do this time?
 

sounds like fouled plugs.

RE: what did I do this time?
 

I thought that, but how come it ran not 10 mintues prior to that?

RE: what did I do this time?
 

Sounds like your carbs arent back on properly, they can be a bitch.

Might have a small air leak causing lean conditions (backfire)

RE: what did I do this time?
 

carbs are snug as can be, but still nothing

RE: what did I do this time?
 

should the air fuel screws be tight or loose? I tightened them then loosed them up 2 1/4 turn.

RE: what did I do this time?
 

so I think now the carbs might be jammed or blocked with something. I took off the carbs and cleaned them out and blew throught the tube that connects to the tank, and it fed air through. I then did this again after I connected the gas tank and it would start. Now I cannot blow through the tube. It seems as though something is blocking my breath. Anyone experience this or know how I can clean that out?

RE: what did I do this time?
 

2.25 turns is the starting point, you would need to fine tune them more...assuming if you get it running.

As for the vaccuum line, as far as I'm aware, that should be completely clear. If isn't then you won't get fuel into the carbs and they will eventually starve. Have you tried opening the drain valve on one of the bowels to make sure there is fuel in them? If you still have the air cleaner off and you spray into the carbs, doesn't it start up?