Topic: Choke lever stuck on CB350F

[Lou]

Hi all. My choke lever is stuck in the fully closed position and won't budge. I had the bike stored for over a year with the air box off (covered the intakes), gas drained, and choke in the closed position so nothing would crawl inside. Now the clutch won't open. Photo is attached.

Any thoughts on what I should try? I started the bike and it fired up on the 3rd kick. Thanks in advance.

[HondaMan]

In the last 3 years I've cleaned a set of 350F and 400F carbs that were stuck like that. It was just built-up goo in the choke shaft because the carb bodies are so small that the tolerance in the holes where that shaft fits thru those butterflies is tight. A little crud or corrosion, and it sticks easily. I've taken to putting some oil or grease in those joints: you might be able to coax it free with a shot of penetrating oil into each one's pivot while you have the airbox off of them.

[Johnie]

Sometimes heat from a hairdryer may work. It'll soften the varnish.

[Lou]

Thanks for the tips @HondaMan and and @Johnie! I have some penetrating oil on it now and will work it with a heat gun (very carefully to not ignite anything) if it still doesn't move.