[Gogogirl]

I stored my Kawasaki ninja 252 too long. It won’t idle without the choke. When I shut the choke off it dies. I called a motorcycle repair shop they said carburetor needs to be rebuilt. Is this accurate? I would think that they would just clean the carburetor? I’m in Long Beach and in need of a reliable and honest motorcycle mechanic

 

[SparkyMJ]

Sometimes when someone says "rebuild" they often mean mostly a clean out, but usually replace the consumable components. I bet you could perform a carb cleaning job yourself with a few basic tools and chemicals. Otherwise I would check your air filter to see if its clogged, and look inside the gas tank and see if anything at least looks off.

If it won't idle with the choke off, I assume you've tried riding it around a bit with the choke on already? Does it ride normally once you've ridden around a bit, or is it bogging and making poor power?

The more details you share the more we can help you!

-Mike

 

[Gogogirl]

Sometimes when someone says "rebuild" they often mean mostly a clean out, but usually replace the consumable components. I bet you could perform a carb cleaning job yourself with a few basic tools and chemicals. Otherwise I would check your air filter to see if its clogged, and look inside the gas tank and see if anything at least looks off.

If it won't idle with the choke off, I assume you've tried riding it around a bit with the choke on already? Does it ride normally once you've ridden around a bit, or is it bogging and making poor power?

The more details you share the more we can help you!

-Mike

Thank you!! I haven’t tried riding with the choke on. I suppose I could try, but wasn’t up for the challenge. Do I need to remove and replace the old gas?

 

[iahawk]

not idling without choke is a classic symptom of a dirty carb. The jets in a carb have tiny passages that can easily clog, especially after sitting for long periods with old gas. Yes, get rid of the old gas and start with fresh...and your carbs will need a cleaning. You may not have to replace any parts. Search motorcycle carb cleaning on youtube and you will have endless hours of viewing pleasure. It's not a difficult job and it's something you should be able to do yourself.

 

[Gogogirl]

not idling without choke is a classic symptom of a dirty carb. The jets in a carb have tiny passages that can easily clog, especially after sitting for long periods with old gas. Yes, get rid of the old gas and start with fresh...and your carbs will need a cleaning. You may not have to replace any parts. Search motorcycle carb cleaning on youtube and you will have endless hours of viewing pleasure. It's not a difficult job and it's something you should be able to do yourself.

Thank you for the vote of confidence. I will keep you posted on the outcome

 

[IronWarrior]

I'd definitely check the carb. Choke reduces the air into the engine (increasing the fuel in the FA ratio), so dying with choke off tells me it's not getting enough fuel.
Old gas gums up carbs frequently, and a good cleaning can work wonders. Drain all the old gas, clean up the carb, and try firing it up again. Might be worth checking the fuel filter too (I assume the bike has one) as these can get gummed up too.

 

[Gogogirl]

I'd definitely check the carb. Choke reduces the air into the engine (increasing the fuel in the FA ratio), so dying with choke off tells me it's not getting enough fuel.
Old gas gums up carbs frequently, and a good cleaning can work wonders. Drain all the old gas, clean up the carb, and try firing it up again. Might be worth checking the fuel filter too (I assume the bike has one) as these can get gummed up too.

Thank you I decided to take it to a mechanic. I looked it up on YouTube and decide to source out this project.