Carb problem

[jimbo]

Hi guys. Haven't been here for a long time (since I moved to the dark side by buying a Hornet) but I hope you can forgive me for that.
My brother on the other hand has stayed with the fold and is still the proud owner of a 600 Diversion but I wouldn't be here if things were all fine.
He is trying to get it back on the road after 6 months standing idle outside his house. He is almost there but seems to have falen at the last hurdle.
After un-glueing the clutch plates, replacing plugs, battery and generally tidying things up it starts and ticks over albeit lumpy but when he gives it any throttle it just cuts out.
He then stripped and cleaned the carbs but it still does the same thing.
It starts (on choke) but as soon as you twist the throttle (fast or slow) the engine just dies.
any ideas?
Thanks,
Jimbo

PS: It was the bike that was standing idle outside the house, not my brother

[biblebasher]

re post this one on the general section. might get a better response.

[bobh]

Sounds very much like at least one of the pilot jets is blocked. This is quite common when a bike (any bike with carbs, not just Diversioins) has been left for several months. Unless the float chambers were drained down before it was laid up, ordinary (95 octane) petrol can leave a clear jelly-like residue that clogs up very small orifices. Once this has happened the only answer is to take the jets out and blow them through with carb cleaner (or a similar solvent) and air.

The main jets should be OK as they are larger - even if they are partially blocked a good run should clear them.

If the bike's going to be left for any length of time in future, put 97/98 octane petrol in at the last fill-up, as that doesn't seem to leave the same residue. For an extra quid or so on the tankfull it can save a lot of hassle.

Hope that helps - Bob