Motorcycle Repair: gas in air box, float bowls, suzuki bandit

Question
Hi,I have a 97 suzuki bandit 1200s.Today when I started it I had blue smoke out the exaust and oil coming from one of the exaust ports on the engine block.I shut down the bike and inspected it.When I unpluged the drain tube from the airbox I had a large amount of gas and oil pour out(about 1/3 to 1/2 litre and mostly gas).I immediately changed the oil(it looked contaminated) and pulled the gas tank and looked for evidence of leaks(found none).When I restarted the bike it ran normally after an initial burn off of oil.however after running the bike with the airbox drain tube unpluged I am still getting gas coming from it(the draintube) at stops.the bike is also sluggish at low reves(like it is starving for fuel).The motorcycle has just been brought out of winter storage.

Answer
Hi Jim,

I suspect the gas in float bowls has varnished during storage. As a result, needle valves (float valves) become gummed and allow fuel to overflow the bowls. Fuel flows into the airbox, crankcase, and out carburetor overflows. You've done well by draining the airbox and changing engine oil and filter. Good job!

A good indication of varnishing is: engine starts and runs on choke, but usually stalls without choke. Pilot circuits are usually obstructed.

Send me an email address as requested. I'll return repair information files that may assist you. Send to me here: mshively1@woh.rr.com

Respectfully,
Mark Shively