94 katana 750...help

[bcganong]

well, where do I start?....my 94 750 katana was starting up just fine, but after it is going, and warmed up it wouldn't idle properly and then quit. now over the past week, it won't idle at all, unless you crack the throttle a little (couple cranks up to 7-10,000 rmp range) and then it will idle fine for 20-30 seconds and then the idle starts to drop again and it stalls. also, I've found that now it won't start up (even with the choke on) unless you use the throttle while starting it. it seems to have little or no hesitation when reving, but is starting hard and won't idle properly. any help would really be apreciated, some times it almost seems like it's starving for fuel until you give it some throttle. thanks

[Clint]

Welcome. Sounds like a fuel issue, as you stated. You'll have to start troubleshooting through the system and find the clog.

[bcganong]

I also meant to ask about carburetor cleaners, what kind should I look for, do I use the same cleaner as I would for automobiles? or is there a certain brand or type best for motorcycles. I've seen the kind that you spray into the carbs, but I'm looking for just a fuel additive first. also, how much would you add to a tank of fuel? Thanks, sorry for all the stupid little questions, I'm kinda new to the motorcyle world!!! lol

[bcganong]

I had her out again tonight....put the choke on and she fired right up!! took here out for about 15 min and shut her off, tried to start her, I had to hold the throttle pinned and she rolled over for like 15-20 sec and just barely started.... when she's running, she's really slugish 2-3000 rpm, anything above that she's got all the power and works flawless, it's when you come to a stop, she either quits and is a bugger to get going again and seems to be getting worse, or she's extremely slugish off the start. Help please!!!!

[helo_pilot]

I concur with Rowdy on the fuel issue. Sounds like too much at idle. Which could be caused by a couple things.

A key part of identifying fuel issues is the condition of the plugs. What do they look like?

The sound helps as well. A sharp, cracking exhaust, with maybe a backfire, usually indicates a lean condition. While a low, rumbling sound, with black smoke, indicates a rich condition. Your plugs will definitely show you if you are running rich.

Pull a couple of plugs, and tell us what you see. And use caution if running lean, because that will jack up your engine quickly.

[bcganong]

thanks guys for all the idea's, I'll try and pull the plugs tomorrow night if I get home before dark! lol and let you all know what I find, I had it running again tonight for 5-10 min and samething happening, but I noticed that I can smell gas really strong and the exhaust smells rich, it was so strong that it was stinging my eyes and I had to air out the garage ( does not normally happen).