Won't start after cleaning/ressambling carbs

[Darkstar]

I took the carbs off of this 2007 GS500 2007, put it back together and it won't start. Here's what I did:

- Poured 1 tbsp of oil into each cylinder before a 5 month storage.
- Took the carbs off to clean the jets, put new main jet holder o-rings in, and installed new fuel lines.
- Floats and diaphragms went back and move smooth
- Checked tappet clearance for all 4 valves, rotating the RT timing 360 degrees, all in spec.
- Turned it over with plugs out to clear any leftover oil/fuel in cylinders
- Gapped new plugs and put them in.
- Put new air filter into airbox, all buttoned up
- All the vacuum tubes were labeled as I took them out, and carefully put back the same way.
- Fuel tank is still off, but I have a funnel feeding gas into the main carb fuel inlet, because I planned on syncing the throttles next
- Battery was dead from sitting, but I recharged with tender until the light was green.
- I have white/yellow spark when holding plug to frame
- I get one-time ignition if I manually add fuel to cylinder through spark plug hole
- I feel compression if I turn it over with my finger covering a plug hole
- I feel air going in I turn it over while holding hand over airbox filter hole
- Idle screw is two full turns out
- Won't start with choke on/throttle totally closed
- Won't start with choke totally closed/throttle wide open

So, I've verified air going into the cylinder, a spark, and compression. I'm thinking I made a mistake reassembling the carbs, so either fuel or proper fuel/air mixture isn't making it in?

[Big Rich]

Quote:

- Fuel tank is still off, but I have a funnel feeding gas into the main carb fuel inlet, because I planned on syncing the throttles next.

Do you have the vacuum line from the carbs hooked up to anything or blocked off? If that line is left open, you'll get next to no vacuum thru the carbs.

And what's the voltage at the battery when cranking the starter? If the battery went completely dead, a battery tender won't bring it back to life (but it will show the blinking green led). Try jumping from a known good car baytery, while the car isn't running.

[Darkstar]

BINGO. I pinched the vacuum line and it fired right up! Thank you for saving me from tearing the carbs back out!

However, I get 9v at the battery under starter load. So, it works, but is it time for a new battery? I don't want to get stuck somewhere out on the road...

[Big Rich]

I don't know enough details about "proper" battery voltage to give you a definitive answer. But if you're asking for my opinion , then I'd say it's a good time for a new one.

[Darkstar]

Thanks!