based on searching past posts, I think the answer is "perform float level check, and if neessary, pull the float needles to check for damage/wear."  I thought I would post the symptoms I'm having anyway, though, on the off chance that this problem didn't necessitate pulling the tank and taking the carbs apart...

symptoms:  
(when starting cold w/full choke, petcock at "on")

very rough idle; struggles to stay at 1200, even after adjusting the idle speed[/list:u]

right (when seated) exhaust pipe does not heat up.[/list:u]
white smoke from exhaust pipe.[/list:u]
L Plug - normal[/list:u]
R plug - carbon residue[/list:u]
pulling R plug wire has no effect; pulling L wire kills engine.[/list:u]

So...I tried the following w/engine running under full choke:

1.  pulled r plug wire and inched it back on.  Result:  heard spark clicking as it arced across to the plug, but cylinder did not fire.[/list:u]
2.  pulled R plug.  Grounded plug, cycled starter motor.  Result:  good spark.  Repeated with L plug, same results.[/list:u]
3.  pulled R plug, grounded plug and checked for compression with the "finger in the hole" test as per Clymer instructions.  Result:  pressure seemed strong.[/list:u]
4.  I cut off the engine and tried to do Kerry's float height check.  Result:  spilled gass all over myself because my tubing was too wide to seal properly.[/list:u]
5.  Crsed loudly and threw my screwdriver across my carport.  Result:  right cylinder still did not fire (I thought this step would do the trick...so disappointed).[/list:u]

w/engine running warm, no choke, both cylinders seemed to be firing fine.


Sorry this is so long, but I figured I would put as much info in as I had.  Any ideas what this might be?  Also, am I going to be doing any serious damage to the bike if I continue to ride with it like this while I wait for a rainy weekend to pull the carbs?

Hey try wd40 around manifolds, and if that produces no smoke or idle racing... then float height is it... look for gas in airbox... might be overfloawing float... or might have cleared up by now... and be just normal.
Cool.
Srinath.

is the most likely problem with the float actual physical damage, or is it possible that dirt/grime has gotten stuck in there?  Would it pay to run some carb cleaner through it, or should I just pull the tank and check out the float valve?

I can take apart and rebuild just about anything, but I have almost zero experience diagnosing engine problems. :dunno:

Floats wont need anythign to get stuck on... if they got emptied out the needle could come so far off its seat, and when the float starts to rise again as fuel fill the bowl... the needle could end up gettign ito a position where it can get jammed. Very common on the keiheins that seem to plagues my Kawi's. They recomend as a fix... ride down as fast as you can down a very bumpy road or knock the carbs wiht a block of wood or a screwdriver handle. It does work...
Cool.
Srinath.

as crazy as it sounds, I think I will try this caveman technique before I got to the trouble of getting the float valve out.  I really don't want to pull the carbs while it's sunny and beautiful outside.

KEYROCK SMASH WITH HAMMER!

Hammer... OK if you want to split the bowls in 1/2 OK then... Wood 2X4 or rubber mallet... or maybe ride it down a bumpy road... but if its good when hot its laready fine... or its not this.
Cool.
Srinath.

when it's warmed and not running w/the choke on, it seems to run fine.  The idle problem is constant, though--happens whenever I warm the bike up w/full choke.

Change your plugs, if sounds like you have the same problem as I do.  Ive fouled one plug on mine, I dont know whats wrong with that one side but you can hear it every so often not fire.  Im going to take my carbs out this winter and check them over real good.  Also by right and left are you sitting on the bike as you say this or standing infront of it?

Quote from: sprint_9Also by right and left are you sitting on the bike as you say this or standing infront of it?

Sitting on the bike.

Proper reference to a motorcycle's left and right is as you sit on the motorcycle. This helps so that everybody understands which side of the motorcycle you are speaking of. Same as refering to port (left) and starboard (right) on a ship or plane.