Valk won't run!!!!! NEED HELP

[old grouch]

Posting for a friend.  He is in Kansas.  He knows his way around engines etc.  He rides a 2000 Tourer.  Trying to get his boss's 2000 Tourer running.  Valk has not been de smogged, 29,000 miles.  Was running good before being parked all summer.  Fuel was not drained or treated.  Wouldn't start w/o choking.  Would start on full choke, but not throttle up above about 1000 RPM.  As soon as he tried to advance the throttle it died.  He put a full can of Sea Foam in the tank.  (about 1/2 full)  Has been run 20 - 30 min (full choke) a couple of times and left to sit overnight.  No improvement.  Carbs are getting fuel.  (not a petcock issue)  Plugs look normal except for slight carbon fouling from being run at full choke.  He took the carbs off, removed and cleaned the jets with carb cleaner.  Says jets were all partly or fully plugged (both low & mains) and are now running clear.  (Carb cleaner runs through them)  No improvement.  Any thoughts as to what he might try next?

[Pete]

Sounds like either he did not get the slow jets really clean or bad gas or massive vaccum leak.
Soaking in carb cleaner sometimes is not enough is he sure that all passages, jets and holes are clean and free flowing?

[stevelp]

Slow jets.  I had the same problem and after replacing the slow stock jets with .38's it is running great.  I had replaced with new stock jets and had the same problem with them after the bike sat for just a few days.(I was waiting on new float needles I had ordered).   

[John U.]

He coud have had some gunk left in the fuel lines, which reclogged the slows. Running only with the choke on is definitey a slow jet problem.
It could also be junk in the tank. Rust in the tank will find it's way through the petcock screen. A good tank cleaning and installing a fuel filter will solve his troubles.
The bike will run better with 38 slows IMHO. He will need to adjust the pilot screws to 1 3/4 turns out from lightly seated if he goes with 38s.
Let us know how it resolves.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

also might check the air cleaner. If bike was stored in barn or out building mice and dirt dobbers (wasp) like to build nest in air cleaner housings.

[9Ball]

if he hasn't done it yet, get rid of the old gas.  Rinse the tank out well and fill with fresh gas.

Sometimes all the additives (excessive volume of additives) in the old fuel will inhibit starting and make the bike run poorly.  Good time to check for rust/debris and check the petcock screen.

good suggestion mr bubbles to check the air filter too....

[old grouch]

Thanks all for the advice!  He took the carbs off a second time, said the jets were CLEAR.  Light, air and carb cleaner through ALL the holes.  Put it all back on, fresh gas in the bottle, no SeaFoam (he was using a bottle hooked up to the gas line, not the tank) and she runs great!    Hasn't done a test ride as he can't get an air filter locally  and the old one was unuseable, completely plugged, probably never been changed!  Looks like it was too much SeaFoam in the gas.  Thanks again for the help.  Stan

[valkyriemc]

Glad its running but, like they said-check the tank, if you went to all that trouble may as well pull that tank and flush it. Really good preventative maintenance. Then keep it full. I added a filter too.

[PAVALKER]

Another thought once it is hooked to the tank.... might want to check if there is a fuel filter installed as well (might be time for a replacement).

[old grouch]

Update.. My friend finished up the project.  Bike runs GREAT!!!  Says he may do the same to his 'cause his boss's runs so good.  So thanks again for all the help.  As usual, you guys came through.
Stan