Motorcycle Repair: 1999 Softail evo hard to start, mikuni carburetor, hydraulic lifters

Question
QUESTION: I recently replaced all of the gaskets from the head covers down to the tappet guide because there was a leak.  It fixed the leak but now when I try to start it, I have to crank it over for a long time and eventually have to turn the idle adjustment about 2 to 3 turns.  When it finally starts, if you give it gas before it warms up it will usually die.  My neighbor told me that my valves were too tight so I re-adjusted the pushrods and it still does it.  It starts a little easier when it is warmed up and it runs fine when it is warmed up.
This is a 1999 Softail with the 80 EVO engine.  It has a Mikuni carburetor.

ANSWER: Do you have solid lifters in your bike?
Mike

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

QUESTION: No, they are hydraulic lifters.  

I also tried to start it with the choke on (which I have never done before) and it started right up.  But it still needs to warm up for about 4 minutes before I turn the choke off or it will die.  And after I turn the choke off I still need to turn the idle adjustment.  My mechanic said that it sounds like an air leak at the manifold or carburetor, he thinks that it is starved for fuel.
Let me know what you think.
Christian

Answer
First, make sure you bleed the lifters before adjusting them. It sounds like the bike is fuel starved. Check for a vaccumn leak at the manifold. You can do this by, spraying some carb cleaner around the manifold when the bike is running. If the idle goes up then you have a leak.
the other problem might be a plugged intermediate jet. Might have gotten a speck of dirt in it when you removed it
Good luck and happy riding
Mike