Motorcycle Repair: 1982 yamaha xj550j, fist time, motorcycle repair

Question
I went to fire this up for the fist time this season.  I noticed some flooding and gas running out air box overflow.  I tapped the carb and assumed a stuck float.  Well the gas quit running out, but the left exhaust was still puffing.  I let it run about 5-10 min, but was never able to give it any throttle, it would bog out.  It would only run on choke.  I had the carbs worked over a few years ago.  I am suspecting that carb is the problem.  What could I put in each carb and let sit overnight and then drain to help clean this out without taking all 4 carbs off?  Any ideas?  Thanks
1982 Yamaha xj550j maxim

Answer
Hi Landon,

One of the safest and best carb cleaners
out there is made by Yamaha.
You can add this to the carb float bowls without
it damaging rubber and plastic etc.

Another product that might work is "Seafoam"
brand cleaner, it has also gained a good reputation
around motorcycle repair.

The real problem is your idle jets are probably
clogged up with evaporated fuel varnish.
Main jets in the carb center could also be plugged.

If the carbs are not too bad the carb cleaner
might work, otherwise the brass jets
and carb passageways may need soaking.

You might want to add some Seafoam to the
fuel in the tank and drain the tank of any
old fuel first.

It might take a couple of bowl fills
and drains to flush out the carbs
but it might save doing a complete
carb removal and cleaning with any luck.

Good luck with it,
Wayne S.
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