Can't get bike running

[doley]

hey guys, i am new to the site, but i wanted to give props to a great site.

I come to you because i am stumped, i am having trouble getting the bike started.
I have an 89 GS500, the bike was given to me in pieces.  The guy who had it before was gonna fix it up, but decided to buy a new bike instead.  The bike was runnning before, but since he tore into it i had to put it back together.

The bike is back together, but my problem is the bike seems like it is not getting gas.
Everything is operating, when i go to start it doesn't wanna fire.
When i spray it with starting fluid, it starts, but doesn't stay running.
Fuel is getting to the carbs, there is fuel in the lines and the bowls.
I have tore the carbs apart, made sure the pilots and the mains are clean, everthing seems that it should be operational.
Its just like the fuel is not getting from the bowl to the barrel.

Has anyone had this problem, I am stumped

[GeeP]

Are you sure the float needles aren't stuck closed?  It's common for the needles to varnish up if the bike is left for an extended period.

[rob1bike]

Check your air mixture screws... That helped mine.
Screw them in and count the turns, they are set around 2-3 turns out. When you turn em in don't crank em closed

[starwalt]

+1 to all above and if you haven't replaced the rubber parts (aka rebuild the carbs not just "clean" them) you might as well dive back into them.

Do you have any service data (Haynes, Clymer, Suzuki)?

[Jughead]

Check your Float Height too Somebody may have Squided with the Float Level.Sounds like you Pilot and Main Jet Circuits are Clogged.

[DerekNC]

Your plugs may be fowled. Have you checked to see if they're wet?

[The Buddha]

Bowl to barrel what, there is a barrel where ...
OK never mind, you can send it to the srinath and he will check them (rejet is $45 and includes a free check and yes it does need a damn rejet) Stock = lean as crap.
Anyway, mans, pilots, emulsion tubes and air screw fuel passage need to be chased clean.
Cool.
Srinath.

[doley]

Have you checked to see if they're wet?

Thanks, that's one thing i forgot to check.
It actually gave me an idea, when we were messing with it last weekend, i noticed with starting fluid it would kinda start.  But only the first couple times, then even with strating fluid it wouldn't start.  My bro was thinking maybe not enough spark, especially since the battery is kinda old.  We were thinking maybe the old battery is not powering the igniters enough.
Got a new battery yesterday, gonna mess around with it again this weekend.

Thanks

[doley]

Bowl to barrel what, there is a barrel where ...

The barrel i'm speaking of the the barrel that the air travels through to bring the gas into the cylinder.  (i.e. 34mm barrel carb)

[zeda3000]

Ok body i understood your problem and u need to do some couple of check to find correct problem

1- When u start bike put your hands on air filter box and try feel if air going in or not?

2- Take out one spark plug (with cable) and touch on it on engine body and push starter. Try to see small fire between spark and engine body.

3- Clean your Carb.

4- Check your valve

The problem looking that your piston doest have compressor and cant receiving  gasoline from carb.

[The Buddha]

Bowl to barrel what, there is a barrel where ...

The barrel i'm speaking of the the barrel that the air travels through to bring the gas into the cylinder.  (i.e. 34mm barrel carb)

I guessed that. We call it venturi or throat. Yea Barrel, OK we have a 2 barrel carb, I like it.
Now float to venturi is those jets ... wait a sec ... wtf ... it cant be ... can it ...
There is a hose that hangs off the back, top side of the carbs in a T fitting that goes to both carbs. That being pinched or clogged (not letting air in) will make fuel not get out of the carbs. That also is the overflow hose in case you drop the bike, but pertinent to our situation, its clogged and will not let air in.
Cool.
Srinath.