Motorcycle Repair: 2005 Sportster, rubber gasket, petcock

Question
QUESTION: I have an 05 sportster 1200c, I can not get it to run. I sprayed the carb with starter fluid and it would run for a couple of seconds. I took off the fuel switch and fuel is coming down from the tank and the switch appears to be working. I am not sure what to check next, but it doesn't seem to be getting any fuel. any help would be great.

ANSWER: There is a vaccumn hose connected to the petcock. Is it connected at both ends? If it is remove it from the vaccumn port on the intake and remove the fuel line from the carb. turn the petcock on and suck on the vaccumn line to put a vaccumn on it. Does gas flow out the hose?
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was told I could bypass the petcock by replacing the insides with a home made rubber gasket. I have done so and still have no fuel getting to the carburetor, any ideas?

Answer
I am not sure about bypassing the petcock like you say, but if you are not getting any gas then either the petcock is not working or the screen in it is plugged. Either way you will have to remove the petcock. If its not plugged with dirt then I would replace it
Good luck and happy riding
Mike