Motorcycle Repair: 1989 yamaha 750 virago, 750 virago, salvage yard

Question
i have a 1989 yamaha 750 virago with 8300 miles, i'm trying to take the carb's off to rebuild but can't get them off. the bike has been sitting for about 20 years,the tank is full of rust,i've cleaned it out but i think i need a new one.i put a new petcock valve on and it cranked up for about 10 seconds then died,help!john

Answer
John, These bikes are not user friendly or so you've found out. To pull the carbs make sure all cables and fuel lines are off. The boots on the cylinders have to be loosened on the carbs as well as the engine cylinders and will come out the left side. As far as a fuel tank thats clean inside,this might be a problem. If you can get one the cost is out of sight. And if you try a salvage yard,try Steves Cycle Salvage 1-800-622-9253. If no luck try a product called Kreem. It has an acid to clean the tank then a neutralizer the a liner you may not need if you can get the rust out.