New owner just picked up Bike

[chandlxr]

Hey everyone, I just picked up a 82 maxim and its my first street bike. When I got it it was running but idle was a bit rough, after a quick inspection the tank has a little rust in it, some vacuum lines need replacing, and the oil has gas in it. Previous owner said he got the carbs rebuilt about a year ago, though i didnt confirm this with receipts so not sure. I grew up messing with carbs and other engines so im pretty familar with stuff. However, Im looking for some advice on where exactly I should start. Should I rebuild the petcock and see if that fixes the leaking gas or take apart and clean the carbs to see if its the float or needle. Also the rear rubber boot for the carbs seems to be not on all the way and the hose clamp doesnt want to sit flat all around, is this normal(im guessing not).
Thanks everyone, glad to join the community

 

[CaptChrome]

Welcome to the forum.

Should you rebuild the carbs? Yes, the gas in the oil is from the float valve not sealing and your rough idle is a sign of carbs that need attention.
Should you rebuild the petcock? Yes. it is obviously not shutting off and allowing fuel to flow to the carb float bowls.

Also, I would clean the tank and install new fuel line with an in-line filter while at it.

 

[chandlxr]

Thanks, I took apart the carbs and everything inside looks good except a bit of trash; the bowl seals are shot though. The petcock looks pretty good too, but im going to get a rebuild kit so it can have a new diaphragm and all. Started to clean the gas tank out still have a bit to go. I drained the oil and out some valvoline 20w-50 motorcycle oil in. i got everything back together and put a bit of starter fluid in and it cranked right up, so thats good. Im just hoping itll crank that good on new gas. Does anyone have any recommendations on handlebars that arent so tall?

 

[tstidham]

I know on my carbs, both needles and seats were bad and it Leaked fuel out the left carb while on the side stand. They also failed the blow test. I used new ones off mikesxs site and they've been good so far.

 

[chandlxr]

Hey, not familiar with the blow test. Could you explain it or direct me to a place where i can read about it?

 

[tstidham]

With the carb bowls off and the carbs upside down so the weight of the the floats is holding the needle seated, blow air into the fuel inlet. Only a few psi and they should not leak air out. As you increase pressure slowly they should dance up and down. You can actually do it with just your mouth too.

 

[chandlxr]

Thanks, I might take them apart tomorrow and check that. I got it to start on starter fluid earlier tonight. Poured some gas in the tank and tried starting it up but it doesn't want to. Either has to be a petcock problem or maybe I didn't have enough gas in the tank. Do ya'll know if the prime setting pulls from the ON inlet or the RES inlet of the petcock?