When the rig sit the fuel in the carb evaporates leaving varnish/goo/debris that can plug it up. My first attempt is the "dollar two ninety eight" overhaul.
It goes something like this:
First if you have no idea on carbs, look at the pix, in the first one there are two bolts near the green connector, they are jet access plugs, we are going to use one as a drain plug. Just above the plugs is a window that allows you to see the fuel level. In the second pic there are two brass tubes sticking up in the air horn. Also get a couple of cans of spray carb cleaner.
This is risky business! Fuel and other nasty chemicals will be released, possible super fund cleanup site, fire, explosion risk, wear safety glasses, secure the woman and children and a bus load of nuns may die!
Now that's out of the way, do this on a cold motor, take precautions with sparks, no smoking etc.
Remove the air cleaner assembly, then locate and remove one of the drain plugs. A small amount of fuel will come out, on the plug or stuck to the carb body maybe be a seal washer, be sure to save it for reuse. The plugs go to the same place (the float bowl) so no need to remove both.
Now get the carb cleaner, put the hose on the nozzle and squirt into the vent tube(s) you should see cleaner coming out the plug hole, we are looking to rinse the bowl, so if no buggers/crud is coming out, stop, good enough.
Next put the plug back and snug it up. Squirt a good amount of cleaner into the vent, 30 seconds or so, if you start to see it level window stop that's plenty. Allow it to sit, work for 15min or so, then remove the plug to drain. Put the plug back in, tighten and squirt more cleaner into the vent until you start to see it in the window.
Cleanup, rinse, let evaporate any fuel/cleaner, remove and soaked flammable rags from the area. If you look at the pix there is a stud sticking up (the one that holds the air filter) it unscrews, removing it will make the next operation easier. Get a helper to run the key, get a clean big shop rag or towel.
Locate the throttle on the carb, have your helper push the accelerator peddle once to see how it works. Position yourself so you can operate the throttle with one hand and cover the carb opening with the other. Wrap the rag/towel around the hand that will cover the carb.
Have the helper run the key to start the motor, operate the throttle arm to get the motor running. As soon as it's running relatively well rev it to about 2500-3000rpm hold it there and firmly cover the carb opening with the rag covered hand, the motor will choke and start to die, uncover the opening, allow the motor to recover and repeat 3 or 4 times. Keep the throttle setting about the same throughout. If the motor dies, it will be flooded, so restart with the throttle open and allow to recover.
Put the stud and air cleaner back and test drive.
This often works on carbs that have set. The cleaner softens any varnish, buggers. By covering the carb on a running motor the engine vacuum will most times suck buggers out of the jets/passages.
Don't let the rug/towel get sucked into the carb, that would be bad!
The cover your hand with the towel thing is optional, but if the motor back fires while you hand is there, you wont be enjoying it. I'm not saying how I know, but think a nice sunburn on the palm of your hand!
This whole thing takes much longer to talk about than actually do, it's a pretty simple, quick process that often works.
if I ever meet you.
