Only runs with choke open

[RHHarrison]

Hello to all. I have a 94 1500SE that hasn't been ridden much in the last couple of years. Since I am now retired, I'm ready to start riding again.
My problem at the moment is the bike will only run with the choke in the open position. Once it has warmed up some at full choke, I start backing it off but am unable to back off all the way without the engine
dying. I had the carbs rebuilt 3 years ago and some vacuum leaks repaired and all was well up until recently.
I have been thinking it might be the fuel pump. Any thoughts?

[virgilmobile]

My very first guess is both slow speed jets are near (or)plugged.Same happened with mine.Only would (idle down to 1500 rpm) if I kept the "choke" on a bit.The "choke" is a fuel enriching valve not like the older choke style that closes off the intake.
You could try some snake oil...mixed results.
Or pull the carbs and hand clean them.

[Pam]

Think I would be trying a good dose of some sort of carb cleaner, Just might work and try the easy stuff first

[RockportDave]

If it will run, start it and let it warm up, kill it and then pull the fuel line apart on the carb side of the fuel filter, put about 2 feet of fuel line on the filter and put the fuel line from the tank with the filter on it in a gas can to catch gas. While running, fuel WILL be pumping out the line from the tank. If you use a gas can smaller than 5 gallons, keep an eye on it, it will fill up fast. I filled a squeeze bottle with Seafoam and used a cap from a 90wt rear end oil bottle, started the bike and slowly filled the fuel line to the carbs until carbs were full of Seafoam and the bike was trying to die. It will smoke on straight Seafoam. Kill the engine and let it sit a while. Reconnect the fuel line and start it up.
Not sure if this will work, but if it does it will save a lot of work on a carb overhaul.
If the gas is good that went into the can, you can pour it back into the bike.
Dave

[Charlie1Horse]

Been There/Done That: Run a whole can of Sea Foam in a tank of gas. You may have to run a couple of tanks to clean the carbs out but, keep the choke on slightly until it starts to clean up and idle higher. Soon, you will be able to take the choke completely off for a smooth idle.
Russell

Those who say it cannot be done should try not to interrupt those who are doing it.

[ct1500]

Been There/Done That: Run a whole can of Sea Foam in a tank of gas. You may have to run a couple of tanks to clean the carbs out but, keep the choke on slightly until it starts to clean up and idle higher. Soon, you will be able to take the choke completely off for a smooth idle.
Russell

I would err on the side of caution when megadosing gasoline with additives. IMO those who megadose their fuel are the ones who have fuel pump failures sooner rather than later.

[RHHarrison]

Thanks for all the good advice. I'll post results later

[eluwak]

Curious to know how this turned out?

I just picked up a '90 GL1500SE that has a similar problem. Already rebuilt the petcock because it was leaking and it helped. I plan to soak the gas cap this weekend because after running a bit there's quite a vacuum release when opening the tank (1/2 full), but running with it open doesn't help so not sure about that. Have a fuel filter on order, then I'll be checking the pump I guess.