My bike has been sitting for a year and I put fresh fuel and oil in it but I can't get it to start without starting fluid, I'm trying to check the carb float for gunk or something but I can't figure out why it won't start

just spray the air filter when starting does the same job
the volatile gas is drawn in with the air through the filter into the cylinders
engines that sit for long periods , rust up in the cylinder bores
have no oil on the top half of the gears out of the oil and rust up clutch plates
make it a routine to start the bike and operate the clutch at least fortnightly as this stops the rust from starting , keeps fuel on all of the rubber parts , the battery charged

Hi Nick:
What a great project.
- I'd start with a really thorough clean up.
- You've mentioned the gas. Definitely, drain the tank, hoses, carbs, and clean the carbs. If there's a filter I'd change it.
I wouldn't even try to run it without cleaning the carbs first.
- Replace the battery, oil, and spark plug.
- Engine coolant?
- Tires? I wouldn't worry until I had it running but definitely replace.
Patience & time. You'll have an excellent bike.

Hi. Vern the float needles in the carbs need to be cleaned. Also take the plugs out and turn motor to drive out all the fluid. It will also need an oil change because the fuel will get past the rings and fill the sump. Good Luck.

have you changed the fuel filter and emptied the gas tank and put fresh gas in? Stale gas will not start as well as fresh gas and there could be water from condensation in the tank.

There is no reason why it cannot be started, although you may have a bit of a difficulty doing this. As a precaution replace all the gas with fresh gas and try clear the carb/injector.

I do not recommend ether or any other type of "starting fluid". This stuff is very "explosive" and too much can damage the heads or the pistons in the engine. If you are going to use anything, put some fresh gasoline in a squirt can. Squirt a couple of shots into the carb and try to start it. But, the question is "how long has it been sitting"? If it's been sitting for over a year, you probably need to disassemble and clean the carb out and put fresh fuel in the tank.

Good luck
Steve

Locate the crank pulley, get a large socket or wrench on the end and slowly turn it by hand.

Regardless of it feeling tight, empty the oil and get a fresh oil filter and oil in there.

Make sure there is fresh fuel in the tank, old fuel is usually bad fuel.

Make sure the carb butterfly opens when you turn throttle.

Take the HT lead off the spark plug and turn it over on the key. Any odd knocks or grinding and the engine will have to be opened up in case the piston has rusted inside the barrel.

If not, put the HT lead back on and start her up, let her fast idle for 20-30 mins, do not rev it.

Dump the oil and check it for metal particles. New oil in and it should be good to go.

Vote for me if this helps please :)

sounds like a fuel issue the carb has a diaphram after sitting for so long it is probably gummed also check fuel filter and fuel line inside tank

Replace engine oil and filter, air filter and fuel filter.
Drain the fuel tank and add fresh fuel.
Remove the spark plugs and put a squirt of oil in each cylinder. Remove coil lead and crank engine until oil pressure comes up.(light goes out),
replace coil lead and start engine.. it will blow smoke for first few minutes. Check trans fluid, brake fluid etc before driving. Theres a good chance the brakes will need an overhaul.

Hi lwhssh:
Suggest you drain the fresh gas/oil and add a fresh batch but first add a gas stabilizer to your batch of gas/oil in the storage container. You will probably still need to use starting fluid for a few times When 2 cycle engines sit for a long period of time, the gas/oil mixture undergoes a change and tends to leave a residue on the delicate parts of the carb. The gas stabilizer will help that.

I always do the following for 2 cycle engines when I put them up for the winter. Empty the gas container on the device and then start it to use up any gas left in the fuel lines and carb. this keeps any residue from forming.

Hope this helps Good luck Loringh PS please leave a rating if appropriate. Thanks