Should I rebuild the carbs? All 4? or 3? I know only one was firing because only one pipe got hot after about 30 seconds. I want to rebuild the carbs, but the rebuild kit from Honda costs 24.99 each carb, and that don't include the needle. Any suggestions?
It seems very likely that all four carbs will need to be rebuilt with a thorough cleaning of the dried out fuel residue blocking up jets and passageways in the carbs. You may also have to correct any foul ups induced into the carbs by the former employees meddling with the them. These carbs have pressed in slow jets with orifices only .016 inch in diameter. They easily plug up with residue and prevent any hope of idle operation. These will have to be yanked, cleaned and tapped back in after the carb bodies and passagways are cleaned. This will require some prowess with the use of force and creative use of tools primarily designed for other purposes. If you don't think you possess or can acquire this prowess, then walk away from projected frustration and dissapointment.
Any metal pieces in and of the carb are likely to still be good once they are cleaned of residue. However, any rubber or fiber seals and the accelerator pump diaphram should be renewed. These parts are in the rebuild kits from Honda. If you are not willing to invest $100 in the bike to get it running then, again, walk away from the bike and forget the project. You also won't want to spend any money on the rest of the bike (brake refurb, fork refurb, tires, etc.) to get it in proper, reliable, and safe running condition.
Note that oxidation on the points can prevent two cylinders from firing. Remove the points cover and take 400 or 600 grit paper or emery cloth to the contacts of the points. Then polish with contacts with the back of the paper. With the points closed and ignition on you should read 0 Volts across the point contacts, and at least 10v when the points are open. If you are lucky this may give you another one or two cylinders firings.
Good luck if you commit to resurrect it!
Cheers,
