Motorcycle Repair: honda ct90 starting problem, honda ct90, trickle charger

Question
I acquired a 1972 honda ct90 and according to the serial number its a K4.
I completely restored the bike this winter body and engine.
When I started the bike it fired right up but wouldn't hold idle for long before stalling. I cleaned the carb and set the float height and restarted the bike but it did the same thing. I could tell the bike was running rich as black smoke was coming from the exhaust.
I'm wondering if I set the float right as I was a little confused as where to take my measurement from. I held the carb so the float was just at the point of touching the spring loaded pin on the float needle then I measured from the top of the float to (this is where I was confused) Do I measure to the gasket on the carb body or do I remove the gasket and measure right on the carb body. A picture would be very helpful. Oh yes I set the float to 20mm is this correct?
Another problem I am having right now is, I accidently left the key on and killed my battery. I put a charger on the battery while it was installed in the bike. Negative on the bolt to where I have the batterys ground hooked to and positive on the red wire that has no fuse.(I disconnected the unfused pozitive and hooked to the unfused wire leaving the fused wire still connected.)
After I charged overnight with my 6 volt trickle charger I rehooked everything as before but now the bike won't start. I have lots of power as indicated by the head light and dash lights but the bike won't fire up.
I took out the plug and connected it to the wire and grounded it and turned the bike over to check for spark and it appeared weak.
Could I have screwed something up by charging the battery in the bike?
Maybe the rectifier?
I'd like to thank you now for any help you can offer. I sure appreciate it.
Lawrence


Answer
20mm is the correct float level
62 is correct main jet
35 is idle jet
Clean ALL fuel and air passages.

Float level is set with float tang just touching the needle, measured against the gasket.

Check ignition timing and battery voltage. Spark advancer can stick. Point gap is .014" max, then set point plate to open at F mark.

Rectifier can be tested with ohm meter. Should read high resistance one way and low the other direction (polarity) through the diodes.

Batteries don't like full discharge and only last 2 years, at most.

Try fresh spark plug....

Bill Silver