Motorcycle Repair: carburetor starting problem, air fuel mixture, kawasaki ninja

Question
i know almost everything about my carb (1986 kawasaki ninja 1000r) i have rebuilt it from the float bowls up and know ever part of the carb. this is the third one i have rebuilt and this one will not start. it will only start if i spray starting fluid on the air filters and then it starts fine and runs just fine. at the very bottom of each individual intake are two holes that should push out fuel to make the bike start, this is the pilot jet hole and the main jet hole. this is a vacuum carb and im not sure why it wont kick out fuel to start but it kicks out the fuel down there after the bike is started with starter fluid. why wont they pust out the fuel.

Answer
Nick,

When you pull your "choke" or start plungers out
they open a passage for air/fuel.

When you crank the engine it creates a vacuum or
"venturi effect" which draws the fuel in
from the float bowl and it mixes with the air.

If you open the throttle you defeat this
system by allowing too much air to
lean out the starting mixture and it increases
the amount of air taken in which also
increases the compression making starting
difficult.

When the start plunger is closed it cuts off the extra
air/fuel mixture.

If you hold your hand over the carb intake
you should feel some suction when cranking the
engine. Lack of suction indicates
poor engine condition or air leaks
around the carb rubbers or mounting
flanges.

If it has this suction yet not enough fuel
to start I would examine the small passages
leading from the start plungers down to the float
bowl. They may pass through the center and
get fuel through the main jet passage.

Also check your starter plungers or choke adjustment
to make sure the plungers are moving okay.