Help a rookie - blocked carbs won't start

[Collystrings]

I was recently told that my pilot circuit is blocked but my other carb jets are good. I'm a rookie with mechanics so I barely know what that means, but I know it might be why I can't get the bike to start today (after weeks of riding fine). I'm just trying to keep the bike going long enough to have the time + cash to get the work done or to sell it to someone who wants to do it.

My question - how can I get the bike running before getting the carb cleaned? Maybe starting with starter fluid? What's the procedure for that with a GL1000 (1976)? Please help! This plan had been going fine until today. Bike turns over strong but doesn't catch at all regardless of the amount of throttle. Thanks for your help!

[DaveO430]

If you have been riding it the pilot jets are not suddenly the cause of it not starting. Have you checked for ignition spark? Is the kill switch on?

[Collystrings]

Thanks for your reply - how do I check for a spark?

[Collystrings]

More help please!

The previous owner left me with the ACCEL ignition coils replacements, so maybe he knew that was what was gonna go next. How can I work out if that's the problem, and how difficult is that replacement to do yourself?

Cheers

[DaveO430]

Thanks for your reply - how do I check for a spark?

If you have extra spark plugs pull the wires off the plugs on 1 side and insert the plugs in the wires, no extra plugs take 2 out of the engine, lay them on the engine, turn the switch on and push the start button. Do you see a spark from the plugs electrodes?

[DaveO430]

More help please!

The previous owner left me with the ACCEL ignition coils replacements, so maybe he knew that was what was gonna go next. How can I work out if that's the problem, and how difficult is that replacement to do yourself?

Cheers

Both coils did not go bad at the same time. Has it been converted to electronic ignition or does it still have points?

[Collystrings]

Points still - how do I check that system is working?

[Collystrings]

The bike is working this evening. Yesterday was really hot while the bike was sitting (I live in Texas). Would that cause a problem like this? If so, how do I fix it?

Thanks for everyone's time so far.