91 Yamaha 350 Big Bear - Idle Issues

[Reesr]

Hi, first time user here. My 91 Big bear will only idle on half choke. I was given the bike after it was laid up for a year or more under a car port. I have re-built the carb, replaced ignition coil, new plug, new plug cap, cleaned gas tank, fresh gas (obviously. It will start on half choke, run on half choke but when I try to take the choke off when the engine is fully warmed up after 10 mins or more of running it just starts to splutter and dies with a few little back puffs through the air air intake. Ive tried various carb adjustments but all to no avail. Ive also tried adjusting the float as it seems that the mixture is lean. Im running out of ideas.

[Grizzlebee]

sounds like you have an air leak somewhere. check the intake manifold, air filter path, etc.

[bigbear93]

not trying to offend your intelligence, but have you adjusted the idle screw? i just rebuilt the carb on my 93 and im still trying to get the idle set right.

also, have you checked the fuel line? i blew mine out with an air compressor, cut it in half and installed a universal fuel filter (~$4 at AutoZone) with a clear casing so its real easy to see fuel flow. i also replaced the stupid spring clamps with band clamps because they were worn out.

[oxidized_black]

the rubber manifold boot may be cracked. when running, spray some quick start around it and see if the rpm changes. if it rises, bad boot. i think maybe there is a small piece of dirt left in the carb. if you have an air compressor, blow everything out again ... i struggled with mine not quite 10 times before i got it right ...

[bigbear93]

Just reread the op you said it was puffing black smoke out the intake? That sounds like a a stuck valve and/or a timing issue