Carb Problems

[thirstytank]

Hi folks, I'm new to the forums here and maybe someone out there can help me with my problem. I've got a 1981 Honda ATC 200 and I can't seem to get it to idle properly. I've cleaned the carb very well and the floats and needle and seat are all clean and in good shape. Sometimes it can sit there and idle fine then all of a sudden it's revving way to high, Am I doing something wrong? I've owned this machine for 5 years now and it's never ran as good as others I've had. Any advice is appreciated.

[Dammit!]

Check for an intake leak first (easiest place to start for that symptom). Spray starting fluid all over the intake while it's running. If it suddenly revs high, you have a leak.

[83185s]

when he means all over the intake he means on the boots and stuff..not in the intake.. :D just thought id add my $0.02

[HaggLE]

More than likely what has been mentioned is the case but also it could be your idle mixture. Make sure that it has a #38 slow jet to start then read up on how to set the idle mixture. Another thing to check is to make sure that the choke is definately turning off all the way and isnt coming back on.
Make sure that it has good compression, it could have a busted valve but that usually causes a low idle... Last thing i can think of is to put a gasket kit into the carb. P/N 16010-364-770.

First thing that I would be checking for is an inlet leak.

[thirstytank]

Thanks for the advice guys, I tried the starting fluid thing this AM with no results. I thought maybe an exhaust leak but that is all fine.............Any other ideas?

[ClayW]

Worst case man, Pick another one up off Ebay. They go for cheap. $35 or less. Just make sure it says it came off a good running bike. Carbs are a pain in the butt sometimes.

[BIG BAD RED]

how many turns is your air screw set at?

[86200s]

does the rpm increase when u turn the handle bars if so it could be the vibrations playing with the throttle

[HaggLE]

Two turns out from all the way in is a good starting point for the mixture screw which is at the bottom of the carb.