Won't start :(

[Russian Concussion]

Hey everyone, long time no see. The bike sat on the lift since October as I was doing what needed to be done with it and taking my time as I only could wrench it an hour a week on it...

Things that were done:
1. Installed MarkT Trombones - took me a real long time, couldn't align them for a while
2. Replaced the air filter - disconnected, removed and drained the tank
3. Replaced the petcock with new parts (still have the old one which seems to be working but looks tired)

This past Sunday (yesterday) FINALLY put everything back together. Had to connect the petcock to the two lines, fuel and vacuum before bolting it onto the tank, couldn't figure how to do that otherwise. The connected the fuel sensor and the breather hose and bolted the tank back on. Filled it up to the top with gas. Key's in the ignition, switch it on and...

Bummer! The battery was dead. So I charged it overnight and for most of today and gave it a try again.

It turns over, cranks, all lights come on as usual - but no dice. I don't think I pinched any wires or hoses. The gas knob is set on ON and works correctly pointing to OFF and to RESERVE. I pushed the bike side to side, the gas swooshed about the tank... But it just won't start.

What could possibly be the issue? I know a lot of folks had this and each case is a bit different... Thanks in advance for all the good advice!

Toly

[Valker]

I'd bet money you kinked the fuel line when you installed the tank. Won't let gas in. You can check it by looking or by opening one of the carb bowl drain tubes to see if any fuel is flowing.

[Cartman]

I would double check your vacuum lines coming off the tank, that has happen to me and it seemed to look ok but it was pinched.  good way to test it is open your gas lid, leave open and then start bike, if it runs then you know its your vacuum line.

good luck!

[storm]

I can tell you via experience if the carbs are dry your going to crank a long time before it fires up. I found this out a couple times and what I do now is put a piece of 1/8" rubber hose on the end of a oil can and give each cylinder a shot of gas (though the vacuum ports) This will get it running with enough vacuum to start filling the carbs, once it will run on it's own thing only improve.
I try not to let it go dry now 

[mikehallbackhoe]

since you had the tank off, my guess would be kinked fuel line or vacuum hose. never hurts to check for spark though, easy to do, and eliminates the guess work.

[storm]

Yea the Kinkie thing too

[rodeo1]

pull the vacume line off #6 and suck on it. hold vacume for a couple minutes, this will open the petcock and fill the carbs, replace it and it should start.

[ibavalkrider]

Tells me something could be wrong with it "parts in wrong" if the kinks are not the problem

[Cartman]

Don't forget to check the air pressure in your tires! been sitting along time.

[Russian Concussion]

Tire pressure is an easy fix!

Think I put all the parts in correctly, it's the first time I did a job like that but I paid attention. All hoses and nuts/bolts are attached to where they belong.

Where exactly is the #6? Left, right, front, back? Thanks gents.

[ossiningvalkyrie]

Toly  I am with the folks thinkin you should do 2 things
First look from the right side at the place where the 2 hoses go to the petcock.   I once didnt clamp the vacuum line properly and it kept the petcock diaphragm from working  also lift the back of the tank and wiggle the vent line in case it was kinked and then let the tank back down

Second I would unscrew the screw holding the petcock and put it back on again in the off position.  You can think the screw is in all the way but it isnt.......kind of like when you 1st got the bike you thought the choke was on but it wasnt yet

Say hi to Rose from Oss

[Russian Concussion]

Oss - thanks bro. Like I said, I put the hoses on the petcock before I bolted it onto the tank, so the hoses are clamped on well. The nut that secures the petcock to the tank is a woof to tighten afterwards!

I'll start by wiggling the tank and by figuring out the #6 so I could see if gas flows... So sick of all this mechanical stuff and of not riding...

[Valker]

Think I put all the parts in correctly, it's the first time I did a job like that but I paid attention. All hoses and nuts/bolts are attached to where they belong.

The hose I was speaking of is the fuel line from the petcock forward. I kinked mine before and it acted exactly like you described. The vent hose will let it start, but not run too long.

[Russian Concussion]

me no speak Valkish. watis "kinked"? 

[ossiningvalkyrie]

I guess of you have ever heard the expression making ball room for the boys you will understand kinked.

How do they say that in russia?

You dont want the hose flow to be blocked.