XT600E not Starting

[Steve B]

To save you reading on A BIG THANKS problem sorted after advice below. Cheers Steve
Hello this is my first post as I've only just discovered the site and the XT600E I have has not caused me any problems to date so need to go looking.  My other bike is a 950 SMR so have been turning to the orange side on the KTM forum.  So before I ask for your help and advice.  Quick intoduction I've been riding nearly 5 years and the XT600e was bought new almost three years ago brand new (I think is had been sat in a box in Turkey or somewhere simliar for four years juding by the colour of the dust on it).   It's first real ride is booked, to Morocco this September for three weeks.  Previous bike a Suzuki DL650 Vstrom. And now the drinks are on me before I ask the question.
The bike is an 03 model Yamaha XT600E.  It was imported by KJM and I bought it new in July 07.  It’s had it’s first service and has not done many miles since and previously other than replacing a battery because it’s probably not been used enough it’s never let me down.  The bike is garaged and is not rusty or showing an visual problems but it will not run.  It's been stood over most of the winter though it did run about 6/8 weeks ago.  The fuel in it was probably put in about 3/4 months ago.  What I've tried and checked.
On the centre stand, out of gear and the side stand up.  Cut off switch is not on.
Fuel in the tank and fuel runs to the carb, fuel lines ok. When you undo the drain screw on the bottom of the carb fuel comes out.
I’ve no compression tester but when in gear the back wheel is locked.  
Spark plug out, clean and the gap is right.  Tested on the side of the cylinder and there is a spark when I press the starter button.  Spark plug back in.
Ignition on, neutral light on, choke all the way out, engine turns over but doesn’t run.  Tried it with the choke half in and all the way in still doesn’t run.  
With the choke all the way out it turns over and if I put a little throttle on it turns over faster but still doesn’t run.  
There is no smoke out of the exhaust at any time.
I then took the spark plug out and it was slightly wet.  
What else can I test or any useful thoughts before I go the way of a dealer.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.. Cheers Steve  

[Steve H]

You have already mentioned it but my guess would be fuel. My SRX600 is a pig to start even after a few weeks, it will cough and splutter and refuse to run unless the carbs are completely drained.
I have the same problem with an SZR660 SRX400 and Muz

[pete]

Had a similar problem on an old GPZ 500s years ago.Had been left standing but was almost new.Problem turned out to be the petrol in the carb had turned to varnish type stuff,which broke off into the jets when i started it up.Maybe check the jets for blockages if poss?


                               Good luck...Pete.

[bullet350]

 new fuel and it will run.

modern fuel doesn't have the preservaties in it that it used to saving the oil companies money (they're barely making a profit, ahem) and most fuel get used in a week or so.

 my old 350 bsa would never start on fuel a month old. if i filled the carb with new petrol it would start then be okay once running on old fuel.

 bullet350

[Steve B]

Gents what can I say but many thanks.  Drained the carb (new job for me) flushed it through with about 1/3 jam jars worth of new fuel.  And it started first time no choke needed.  So right on the money, another learning point for me and beers all round for your advice. Cheers Steve

[Andy M]

Don't give them beer (well maybe a half to share), it send's 'em loopy and the next thing you know it'll be pickled chile vodka and deep discussions about camping stoves!

Glad the bike's sorted, modern petrol is rubbish.

Andy

 

[Steve B]

I must own at least 5 camping stoves so will be in good company.