Bike running very lean.. any suggestions?

[wday12264]

I have a gz250 2003 that up until a year ago was in storage for 2 years. I got the bike started but it had some idle issues. I pulled the carb and soaked parts to remove varnish, buildup etc., and reinstalled. Still could not idle without full choke and even that was rough. Pulled apart again with another friend with more breakdown experience. Still not any better. I can only get a smooth idle if I cover the air intake 3/4 with my hand, and then I can work the choke down to a normal level. Any suggestions of a fix short of shop time?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by wday12264

Any suggestions of a fix short of shop time?

Are your tests being done with the air cleaner ON or OFF ??
The bike WILL run very lean with it OFF and that is normal.

Even your second cleaning may not have gotten into all the tiny passages.

If you haven't already, ALL the old fuel must be removed. Then you can add some fresh (about half a tank or 1 gal) with about twice the recommended dose of a good carb cleaner. I like Berryman's B12 Chemtool. Get it running long enough to warm up the engine. Shut off and let it sit overnight. If that improves things, run it a little longer each time until you feel it is rideable. Then top off the tank. MIght want to consider adding an in-line fuel filter.

You could also have a vacume leak.......but after having the carb off twice, I'd guess that is not the case. In most areas of the country, a shop carb cleaning will run about $100 and shouldn't be more than $200 anywhere.

[jonathan180iq]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

I like Berryman's B12 Chemtool.

Me too. Because it's about a 1/3 the cost of SeaFoam.

[afaciane]

i just got mine checked out and the mech said that the inside of the fuel tank was rusted and the rust kept clogging up the carb, so if you havent fixed it yet, try that.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by afaciane

i just got mine checked out and the mech said that the inside of the fuel tank was rusted and the rust kept clogging up the carb, so if you havent fixed it yet, try that.

Man I just HATE it when this happens..........
Guy comes on and asks a question or two and the disappears forever.
Sure would be nice to have some feedback.
Original post was from last October.