The last two times I've gone to start my '04 SG with carb, it wouldn't start even with the choke pulled. I have had to hold the throttle all the way back to get it to fire. Pretty sure it was not flooded.

Could this be battery, spark plugs/wires, etc? If it were the battery, which is not that old by the way, I wouldn't think it would start just by holding the throttle wide open. Same theory with the starter.

I have aftermarket high flow AC and V&H big shots on it. Had the carb rejetted with a dynojet kit. I always cut the fuel line off after running it and double check to make sure I open it back up before starting. This is my ritual.

Thoughts?

 

First thing to do is check condition of your spark plugs. I presume by 'cut the fuel line off' you are talking about the petcock, you should check the state of the filter in there...b.

 

Yes, I am talking about the petcock valve.

***Udpate: After my last startup, I shut the petcock off before shutting down the motor and let the fuel run out until the motor quit on its own.

After about two hours, I went back out and went through my normal start up routine and it fired right up. Not sure what to make of this. Maybe it was flooded, but I just don't see how that is possible. I never 'rev' the motor during warm up or really even touch the throttle. I just use the choke and give it time to warm up per my owners manual instructions.

I will check my plugs and it may be time to replace them.

 

If it happens again take your AC off and you should be able to see 'gas' squirting into the carb. when you turn the throttle. At least if you see that happening you know fuel flow is good to the carb. Personally I don't touch the petcock at all when parking the bike...b.

 

Sounds like your float is sticking closed

 

Because of my mods I pull the enrichener out (not a choke), roll the throttle twice, leave throttle closed and push the start button. If you are holding the throttle open with the **** pulled out that's part of the problem. Throttle is closed while cranking. The enrichening circuit is adding fuel while its staring. Why are you running the carb dry after turning off the fuel? The petcock is vacuum operated to flow fuel. Some will close the petcock to prevent fuel from a leaky vacuum valve. Once the engine is warm push the **** in, if you don't it will foul out your plugs.

 

The petcock has a vacuum operated turn on valve. Sounds like it may be not working all of the time. Easy to fix. Take the cover off remove the spring and then the diaphragm. Put it back together spring first then diaphragm. Now it works like a normal petcock and does not need vacuum. Remove the hose and put a cap on the carb. I have done this on several Harley's and the results are better starting, better acceleration. Win,win.