1994 Honda TRX300 4x4 power/idle problems

I got a 94 TRX300 4x4 on trade a few weeks ago and I seem to be having some issues with it. Its in good shape and not ragged out like most. It has a home made snorkel, 2" I think, and seems to have issues with running rich. I replaced the plug and the start solinoid for the choke and it help and ran good til I fouled the plug out again. It blows a little black smoke when you give it gas and spits and sputters. As long as you keep it around 1/4 or better it runs like a champ but under that it sputters and stalls. I am also getting a little fuel in the filter box. It will not idle either. I had planed on rebuilding the carb and putting the stock snorkel back on but I wanted some expert takes on it. I will use it for hunting only so I have no need for a snorkel.

What do yall think?

OK tried an old trick I used with trucks and it seemed to clear up the problem for the most part. I reved the engine up high and put my hand over the snorkel intake to block off all incoming air then when the engine dies down I remove my hand and bring it back to life by patting the throttle. I did this about 5 or 6 times and it cleared up the idle problem. This trick puts alot of pressure on the carb in the form of vacume which will break clogs and buildups free. It idles like a champ now and the only thing is a stumble while I am cruzing at 1/4 throttle or less. I ordered a carb rebuild kit so maybe that will help. Any thoughts or oppinions will be greatly appreciated.

You might have some carbon buildup also..That could clear that up too. You might wan to pull that carb off when you can and give everyting a good cleaning.

* Adjusted your thread title to include full year and make.

Sounds like a sticking float. When you do the carb re-build you will be able to make sure it is adjusted properly and the kit should have a new float valve, that could help too. Make sure to give it a good cleaning too while you have it apart. Blow out all holes with compressed air. Make sure your air filter is clean too.

What about the snorkle? will it affect the air fuel mixture? I wouldnt think so but I have been told it will lean them out and I have been told it will cause the mixture to run rich.

If it is too small, it will restrict airflow and make it run rich. Take the snorkel off and see what happens. The thing that makes me think that you have a stuck float or bad seal on the float valve is that you said that you noticed fuel in the air cleaner. This is caused by fuel flooding the float bowl and coming up though the jets into the carb throat and into the air box. Stumling on the low end can also be helped with a fuel screw adjustment or smaller pilot jet.

Cool deal thanks man!

No problem, let us know how it goes.