Motorcycle Repair: bad idle, yamaha xj550, air leak

Question
Hi
I have a 1982 Yamaha XJ550 that wont run unless the choke is on. The guy I bought it from said he bought carb kits for it and said he rebuilt the carbs. It wont stay running unless you have the choke closed. I've taken the carbs apart three times and recleaned them but still the same problem. I think I got all of the ports cleaned out. I did notice when I had it running I sprayed wd40 on the rubber intake manifolds that the carbs mount to and it did change the idle a little bit so it must have a little air leak in them. The guy I bought it from said he didn't sync the carbs when he rebuilt them but he said he didn't change any settings either.I didn't get them synced either. I was going to go and buy the intake manifolds and change them but I lost my job so I dont have any extra money to just go and start buying parts and hope that takes care of the problem. Any advice
Thank you
Terry Bruss
E-Mail   lbruss@wi.rr.com

Answer
Hi Terry,

I suspect the carbs are varnished. Engine running only on choke is an indication of this.

Synchronization may need adjusted too, but engine performance would be similar with or without choke if this was the cause.

I'm sending several files on cleaning, tuning, and synch'ing carburetors. Keep me advised on your progress. Email me with any questions.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively