1988 GL1500 WONT IDLE

[WALTSTAR]

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[b]MY GIRL WONT IDLE UNLESS THE CHOKE IS ABOUT CHOKED ABOUT 1/4. SHE HUNTS FROM 800 TO 1200 AND IF I REV HER, I GET A POP FROM THE EXHAUST ON THE WAY BACK DOWN. NEW PLUGS, PLUG WIRES, TIGHTENED THE BOOTS TO CARBS, CHECKED FOR CRACKED HOSES, INSTALLED NEW THERMO SWITCH.

43,000 MILES AND KEPT IN A HEATED GARAGE. WHEN I FIRST START HER AND SHES CHOKED, THE BIKE IS QUIET AND ULTRA SMOOTH FROM THE EXHAUST.
HELP AND PLEASE DONT PAY ATTENTION TO THE CAPITAL LETTERS. I SUFFERED A CHEMICAL ACCIDENT, HAD THREE EYE SURGERIES, AND NEED THE LETTERS LARGE FOR EASE OF READING., 

[/b]

[thebruce]

There will be more opinions soon, but I'd say your idle jets are plugged. Also known as pilot or slow speed jets. They are located inside the float bowls on your carburetors.

I like to clean carb parts in 99% isopropyl alcohol, as it is cheap and somewhat available these days. I'm sure there are better products, but I live out in the woods.

If the jet I totally gummed up I use a lighter to burn the crud out. Somewhere far, far away from the open fuel system on the bike. Be careful, the jet is brass, so don't use the hot wrench on this one.

A single bristle from a wire brush will sometimes fit through the jet, to aid in cleaning, and if it doesn't you will have to improvise.

[ct1500]

When did it last run correctly and how many miles were put on last year?

[WALTSTAR]

SHE RAN PERFECTLY THREE YEARS AGO. I HAVENT RIDDEN HER AT ALL IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, BUT DID AN OVERHAUL OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM WHILE IN THE GARAGE (WHICH IS HEATED).

[Solo So Long]

Sitting that long, you've probably gummed up the fuel system.

A can of Seafoam will probably solve the problem.

[ct1500]

After 3 yrs. setting the idle jets are plugged with cement like crud. I would replace the idle jets with #58's along with gaskets and maybe float valves for a like new running GL on the first go round.