2004 honda 350 es rancher, carb issue

[drobertson]

can anyone give some pointers on cleaning the carb, never had it off, not sure what to look for when I take it off, the only way it will start is with full choke, any load on the motor and it will die, thanks for any suggestions,  david

[beenthere]

david
I'd look at fuel line blockage/leak and fuel filter blockage first, if you haven't already. ;)

[AdkStihl]

What shape is the air filter in?

[breederman]

Id put some dry gas in it. I have had the same symptoms and that cleared it up.

[DR Buck]

Look for pin holes in the fuel line going to carb.   Probably not getting enough suction without the choke.  Holes are caused by the ethanol.    I've had a number of issue in the past few years and everyone was holes in the fuel lines.

[ely]

try a little pressure in the tank to force the fuels thru the carb. mine took a spell of losing its prime.

[drobertson]

Mercy sakes, common sense goes a long way, I got way to complicated I guess, I will start at the filter, never been changed, sometimes I feel real stupid, well, kinda everyday at some point,  thanks guys,  no leaks like the usual line hole leak, but all is possible, I do run the ethanol,  these are a bear to get to, I reckon I need to take a breath and slow down,  thanks again,  david

[Jim H]

Check the things mentioned first. If you have to pull the carb take the bowl off, usually 4 screws. Be careful as they are easy to strip the heads. You'll probably find some gunk in the bottom of the bowl. Next look for the brass jets, the main jet should be in the center between the floats the pilot jet is usually slightly to the side. Make sure the jets aren't clogged. To unclog them try spraying carb cleaner through the hole, if you have to use a small piece of wire be careful not to get it stuck. Spray carb cleaner into every hole you can find and hopefully you'll be back in business. Hope this helps    Jim

[sawdusty1]

Screen in petcock may be stopped up.

[BARPINCHER]

SOme of my suggestions are already covered but I'll outline how I work that problem when it happens on my 300.  I've never had to take the carb off or the bowl...
1)  Check/ clean filter that is in fuel on/off valve.  Make sure you turn valve off first.  2) WIth valve off open bowl drain screw on bottom of carb. It just a 1/8" straight screwdriver head located all the way at the bottom but on the side of the bowl. Becareful screw will come out.  You will see fuel run out the drain tube so have a pan to catch the gas.  Don't be suprised at the water and dirt you find in the pan. 3) Leave drain screw open and open tank valve.  Let it run for 15 seconds or so to help flush any remaining crap from the lines and bowl.  4)  Close tank valve, close bowl drain, turn tank valve back on a run it!