Why won't it run??????

[daithejack]

In the process of 'doing up' a XL600 lm. The bike is back in one piece now and I've finally got all the electrics working. But can't get it to fire now.
I've had it running recently but it was leaking petrol out of the bottom of the carb due to one of the floats being stuck. So I've had the carb back off and sorted it out which seems to of fixed that problem, but since putting the carb back on it won't run? I've had the plug out and it has still got a spark and turned it over and it smells like it is getting petrol in to the cylinder but it just won't fire. Was wondering if anyone had any ideas?????
Also it turns over very slow when trying to start it was wondering if this is correct?
Thanks
Dai.

[meljordan]

OK first things first, charge your battery fully and then make sure its well connected. If your starter is slow it just won't fire up.
Kick it a few times to get it in the mood (as in kickstart) then one quick twist on the throttle and back then press the button and it should fire....see how it goes.

[daithejack]

Thanks for the reply mel.
The battery is fine on it and I pretty much keep it on a trickle charger to keep it topped up.
At the moment it ain't got a kick start on it as it is broken. long story it's on the list of things to do!
At the moment I'm using the decompression lever to get it spinning and then just dropping it? and it was firing it up but it won't do it any more.
Is it best to use the choke? but then I've heard big singles are easy to flood?
Cheers
Dai

[meljordan]

It might be a lazy starter, have you had the sidecover off and if so made sure the cogs are back in order( be carefull as there are thin washers that stick to the housings and slide slowley down and are a bugger to get out) If not then its not a huge job to take the starter off and check/fit bushes and generally wd40 it back to life.
And if you like try the old fashiond approach and get a tow/bump start this will let you know if it is a runner or not.A tow from another bike is best as sometimes it just needs a bit of persuasion- and its not so knackering...mel

[AIRWOLF]

Is it best to use the choke? but then I've heard big singles are easy to flood?
Cheers
Dai

My XR600 won't start from cold without choke.